Superficial spreading malignant melanoma with neurosarcomatous metastasis. 1984

D J Dabbs, and J W Bolen

Metastatic malignant melanoma often poses a difficult light and ultrastructural diagnostic challenge. A superficial spreading malignant melanoma without desmoplasia displayed neurosarcomatous light and electron microscopic features in metastatic sites. The ultrastructure displayed some Schwann cell features and strong-S-100 immunostaining. Metastatic melanoma with Schwannian differentiation in metastatic sites without lesional desmoplasia is rare and must be included in the differential diagnosis of spindled neoplasms involving lymph nodes. The evolution of this lesion illustrates the spectrum of melanocytic differentiation, i.e., pigment synthesis, adaptive fibroplasia and Schwannian differentiation.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008198 Lymph Nodes They are oval or bean shaped bodies (1 - 30 mm in diameter) located along the lymphatic system. Lymph Node,Node, Lymph,Nodes, Lymph
D008297 Male Males
D008545 Melanoma A malignant neoplasm derived from cells that are capable of forming melanin, which may occur in the skin of any part of the body, in the eye, or, rarely, in the mucous membranes of the genitalia, anus, oral cavity, or other sites. It occurs mostly in adults and may originate de novo or from a pigmented nevus or malignant lentigo. Melanomas frequently metastasize widely, and the regional lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and brain are likely to be involved. The incidence of malignant skin melanomas is rising rapidly in all parts of the world. (Stedman, 25th ed; from Rook et al., Textbook of Dermatology, 4th ed, p2445) Malignant Melanoma,Malignant Melanomas,Melanoma, Malignant,Melanomas,Melanomas, Malignant
D009455 Neurofibroma A moderately firm, benign, encapsulated tumor resulting from proliferation of SCHWANN CELLS and FIBROBLASTS that includes portions of nerve fibers. The tumors usually develop along peripheral or cranial nerves and are a central feature of NEUROFIBROMATOSIS 1, where they may occur intracranially or involve spinal roots. Pathologic features include fusiform enlargement of the involved nerve. Microscopic examination reveals a disorganized and loose cellular pattern with elongated nuclei intermixed with fibrous strands. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1016) Neurofibromas
D009508 Nevus, Pigmented A nevus containing melanin. The term is usually restricted to nevocytic nevi (round or oval collections of melanin-containing nevus cells occurring at the dermoepidermal junction of the skin or in the dermis proper) or moles, but may be applied to other pigmented nevi. Nevus, Melanocytic,Nevi, Melanocytic,Nevi, Pigmented,Pigmented Moles,Melanocytic Nevi,Melanocytic Nevus,Pigmented Nevi,Pigmented Nevus
D006119 Groin The external junctural region between the lower part of the abdomen and the thigh. Groins
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D012583 Schwann Cells Neuroglial cells of the peripheral nervous system which form the insulating myelin sheaths of peripheral axons. Schwann Cell,Cell, Schwann,Cells, Schwann
D013848 Thigh The superior part of the lower extremity between the HIP and the KNEE. Thighs

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