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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
08:49
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Acantholytic-like malignant melanoma: an unusual morphologic variant.
Jose Aneiros-Fernández1, Salvador Arias-Santiago, Jose Luis Diaz-Recuero
1Department of Pathology, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain.
The American Journal of Dermatopathology
|March 11, 2010
Summary
This study details a rare primary cutaneous melanoma exhibiting acantholytic-like changes. Recognizing this pattern is crucial for accurate malignant melanoma diagnosis and avoiding misinterpretation as benign conditions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Primary cutaneous melanoma is a significant skin cancer.
- Superficial spreading melanoma with vertical growth has distinct clinical and histological features.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old man presented with a primary cutaneous melanoma showing acantholytic-like changes.
- Histological examination revealed intraepidermal and suprabasal bullous spaces filled with isolated tumor cells, mimicking acantholytic blisters.
Findings:
- The observed changes are attributed to inflammation-related extracellular fluid.
- This case represents the first report of malignant melanoma with an intense, diffuse pattern of dyscohesion resembling acantholysis.
- Previous literature described two cases with suprabasal discohesive atypical melanocytes.
Implications:
- Accurate recognition of this histological pattern in malignant melanoma is essential to prevent diagnostic errors.
- Understanding these acantholytic-like changes aids in differentiating melanoma from other blistering skin conditions.
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