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Differentiating neurotized melanocytic nevi from neurofibromas using Melan-A (MART-1) immunohistochemical stain
Yumei Chen1, Paul W Klonowski, Anne C Lind
1Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA.
Context:
Neurotized melanocytic nevi and neurofibromas are common, benign cutaneous neoplasms. Usually they are histologically distinct from each other; however, neurotized melanocytic nevi and neurofibromas can be clinically and histologically similar.
Objective:
To determine whether Melan-A (MART-1) immunohistochemical stain is sufficient to differentiate neurotized melanocytic nevi from neurofibromas.
Design:
Forty-nine consecutive specimens of melanocytic nevi with neurotization and 49 specimens of neurofibromas were selected. We used antibodies against Melan-A, S100, and neurofilament protein.
Results:
All of the melanocytic nevi showed Melan-A staining within the neurotized areas, with most of the areas staining strongly positive, whereas all the neurofibromas were completely absent of Melan-A stain. All of the nevi, including the neurotized areas, stained strongly and diffusely for S100, whereas all the neurofibromas showed a distinctive, sharp, wavy pattern of S100 staining. Neurofilament protein showed scattered staining of both melanocytic nevi and neurofibromas.
Conclusions:
Our data indicate that Melan-A immunohistochemical staining is helpful in differentiating neurotized melanocytic nevi from neurofibromas when distinction on histomorphology alone is difficult.
