Melanocytic neoplasms

Chapter 6


Melanocytic neoplasms






Benign melanocytic nevus




aThese features are only if there is a dermal component.


Benign nevi are bilaterally symmetrical from right to left, but they are asymmetrical from top to bottom. In contrast, melanoma metastases are radially symmetrical in all directions, like a cannonball.


A biopsy of a nevus demonstrates a discrete well-nested melanocytic proliferation in the upper portion of the lesion. Melanocytes disperse into individual units in the deeper portions of the lesion. Maturation refers to melanocytes becoming progressively smaller and spindled in the deeper portions of the lesion. Melanin should not be present in deep melanocytic nests, although melanophages may be present. In cases with questionable maturation, top-heavy HMB-45 immunostaining (loss of staining in the deep component) is a surrogate marker of maturation. Deep mitoses are absent. In unusual lesions, MIB-1 immunostaining is sometimes performed. MIB-1 is expressed in all active phases of the cell cycle – G1, M, G2 and S phase (but not resting G0) – and is not a mitotic marker. There should be no staining of deep melanocytic nuclei.






Table 6.1 gives general rules, and is a good starting point for the evaluation of pigmented lesions. There are exceptions to the rules. For example, blue nevi show no evidence of maturation or dispersion. They are commonly deeply pigmented to the base of the lesion. They are readily recognized by their wedge-like or bulbous outline and characteristic cytologic features.





Spitz nevus




aThese features are only present if there is a junctional component.


Benign spindle and epithelioid cell (Spitz) nevi occur in adults, but most commonly present as pink papules on the face or scalp of a child. Unfortunately, melanomas can demonstrate large spindle and epithelioid cells, hyperkeratosis, hypergranulosis, and pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia. These features are especially common among melanomas in the pediatric age group. Critical distinguishing features include sharp lateral circumscription, maturation, and dispersion, all of which should be present in benign Spitz nevi. Deep mitoses should be absent. Kamino bodies are dull pink areas of trapped basement membrane material within the epidermis. They stain blue to green with a trichrome stain and mark with immunostains for type IV collagen.


In lesions with any atypical feature, immunostaining is commonly performed. HMB-45 immunostaining should be top-heavy, and the lesion should stain diffusely for S100A6. MIB-1 staining should be absent in melanocyte nuclei at the base of the lesion.


Comparative genomic hybridization and chromosome deletion analysis by fluorescent in situ hybridization are promising techniques. The majority of Spitz nevi have a normal chromosome complement. Some large Spitz nevi have an 11p gain.







Pigmented spindle cell nevus of Reed




Benign pigmented spindle cell nevus is considered by many to be a variant of Spitz nevus. They typically present as deeply pigmented macular lesions on the thighs or lower legs of young women. The spindled melanocytes are smaller than those in a Spitz nevus. Epithelioid cells are rare.



Table 6-2


Characteristics of Spitz nevus versus pigmented spindle cell nevus of Reed





Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue

Related posts:

Key diagnostic features of additional soft tissue neoplasms Neural tumors Tumors of fat, muscle, cartilage, and bone Alterations in collagen and elastin Sweat gland neoplasms The basics: Diagnostic terms, skin anatomy, and stains

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

Tags:
Apr 26, 2016 | Posted by in Dermatology | Comments Off on Melanocytic neoplasms

Full access? Get Clinical Tree

 Get Clinical Tree app for offline access
Characteristic