Malignant melanoma showing smooth muscle differentiation

J Clin Pathol. 1996 Nov;49(11):950-1. doi: 10.1136/jcp.49.11.950.

Abstract

A unique case of a metastatic non-desmoplastic sarcomatoid malignant melanoma in an axillary lymph node showing smooth muscle differentiation in a 54 year old woman is described. The tumour cells exhibited alpha-smooth muscle actin, HHF-35 and desmin positivity but were negative for S100 protein and HMB-45. Ultrastructural examination revealed smooth muscle phenotype and there was no evidence of myofibroblastic differentiation, a feature described previously in desmoplastic melanomas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism
  • Desmin / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Melanoma / metabolism
  • Melanoma / pathology*
  • Melanoma / secondary
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Actins
  • Desmin