Immunofluorescent detection of hormone receptors in cutaneous melanocytic tumours

Immunofluorescent assessment of hormone receptors in melanocytic tumours is quite feasible without loss of diagnostic material, in contrast to the impracticability of quantitative biochemical assays. Using this method, oestrogen receptors were demonstrated in 4/6, and progesterone receptors in 3/5 patients with metastatic melanoma. Receptors were not found in 3 patients with primary cutaneous melanomas of the superficial spreading type. Progesterone receptors were present in the junctional component of a naevus from one healthy person.