Neuroendocrine (Merkel-cell) carcinoma of the skin: immunocytochemical and cytomorphologic analysis on fine-needle aspirates.
Cytomorphologic and immunocytochemical characteristics of tumor cells from fine-needle aspirates of four neuroendocrine (Merkel-cell) carcinomas of the skin are described. All aspirates were cellular with dispersed small to medium sized tumor cells with scanty cytoplasm. Many mitoses were observed. Careful scrutiny revealed a tendency of the tumor cells to form microacinar and pseudorosette formations as well as small clusters of molding cells. Immunocytochemical analysis of cytospin preparations showed a peculiar dot-like cytokeratin positivity, while neuron-specific enolase staining was more diffuse. A weak S-100 positivity was observed. This staining pattern is highly suggestive of Merkel-cell tumor. It can thus be concluded that immunocytochemical analysis in conjunction with cytomorphology on fine-needle aspirates will allow the identification of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin and its differentiation from other small-cell neoplasias of the skin.
Department of Tumor Pathology, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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L
Skoog
F C
FC
Schmitt
E
E
Tani
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007633:Keratins / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D010751:Phosphopyruvate Hydratase / Q000378:metabolism; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
D007633:Keratins; D010751:Phosphopyruvate Hydratase