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Arch Dermatol. 2003;139:1209-1214.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Diagnosis: Amelanotic melanoma.

MICROSCOPIC FINDINGS AND CLINICAL COURSE

Hematoxylin-eosin staining of the biopsy specimens revealed a well-preserved epidermis and a proliferation of fusiform cells in the dermis. The fusiform cells had an elongated nucleus and a prominent nucleolus, but did not contain noticeable pigment.

Immunohistochemical staining was performed. The results of cytokeratin staining (AE1/AE3 and CAM 5.2) were negative, but those of S100 protein and HMB-45 immmunostaining of both the nucleus and the cytoplasm were positive. The diagnosis of a nodular amelanotic melanoma with fusiform cells, 1.6 mm in thickness, was made. Lymphoscintigraphy and computed tomography revealed no abnormalities.

The patient was treated with a wide excision. No recurrence or metastases were found at her 2-year follow-up visit.

DISCUSSION

Cutaneous melanoma is a potentially lethal malignant neoplasm of melanocytes, with a rapidly increasing rate of incidence. Melanomas typically appear as abnormal light-brown to black pigmented lesions with irregular contours on clinical examination. Occasionally, they lack sufficient pigment to be . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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