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Metastatic malignant melanoma with "rhabdoid" features
E S Chang1, M R Wick, P E Swanson
1Lauren V. Ackerman Laboratory of Surgical Pathology, Barnes Hospital, Washington University Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|October 1, 1994
Summary
Malignant melanoma can exhibit rhabdoid features, mimicking other tumors. Despite morphologic similarities, metastatic rhabdoid melanoma retains melanocytic markers for diagnosis and does not worsen prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Cytology
Background:
- Rhabdoid tumors are characterized by polygonal cells with distinct cytologic features.
- Malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can metastasize.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of rhabdoid features in metastatic melanoma.
- To compare the pathologic and immunohistologic features of rhabdoid melanoma with non-rhabdoid metastatic melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Review of 313 metastatic melanomas, with 49 showing rhabdoid features.
- Pathologic and immunohistologic analysis of 31 rhabdoid melanomas and 46 non-rhabdoid controls.
- Ultrastructural studies to examine cellular morphology.
Main Results:
- 39% of rhabdoid melanomas showed decreased S100 protein expression compared to controls.
- No significant difference in HMB-45 staining between rhabdoid and non-rhabdoid melanomas.
- Ultrastructural analysis revealed paracrystalline inclusions, not intermediate filament whorls.
Conclusions:
- Metastatic rhabdoid melanoma shares light microscopic similarities with other rhabdoid tumors.
- Rhabdoid melanoma typically retains sufficient melanocytic features for diagnosis.
- Rhabdoid cytomorphology in metastatic melanoma is not associated with a poorer prognosis.