Fluorescence of melanoma cells. A useful diagnostic tool

Fluorescence seen in unstained sections from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue from cases of malignant melanoma was studied. Fourteen of 16 primary cutaneous melanomas and six of eight metastatic melanomas were positive for yellow-green fluorescence. Four of 15 nevocellular nevi were also positive. Various other cutaneous tumors examined were completely negative. This fluorescence, which can be easily demonstrated, may be used as a valuable ancillary diagnostic test for differentiating melanoma cells from other cutaneous tumor cells.