Immunophenotyping of amelanotic melanoma. A case report

Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2006 Sep;15(3):141-3.

Abstract

Amelanotic malignant melanoma (AMM) is a subtype of cutaneous melanoma with little or no pigment upon visual inspection. The lack of pigmentation is the reason for late diagnosis of lesions and a poor prognosis. We report a case of a 55-year-old female with an AMM diagnosed by immunophenotyping. Monoclonal antibodies S-100, HMB-45, and antibodies to cytokeratin were used. Our patient underwent a wide local excision (a 2 cm wide margin) 2 years ago. So far there are no signs of a recurrence. In doubtful cases, immunophenotyping with monoclonal antibodies HMB-45 and S-100 is important for confirming the correct diagnosis of AMM.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Keratins / immunology
  • Melanoma, Amelanotic / diagnosis*
  • Melanoma, Amelanotic / drug therapy
  • Melanoma, Amelanotic / pathology
  • Melanoma, Amelanotic / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • S100 Proteins / immunology
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • S100 Proteins
  • Keratins