title: [Primary amelanotic melanoma of the nasal fossa. Importance of ultrastructural study for diagnosis].
abstract: Primitive malignant melanoma of the nasal fossae is rare and amelanotic melanoma of the same site is highly unusual. The present work reports a case where positive diagnosis was only possible by means of ultrastructural study. Giving evidence of the premelanosomes, this technique made it possible to differentiate from other types of cancers (in particular from olfactory neuroblastoma, non differentiated small cell carcinomas and lymphoma). Although in all cases we are dealing with malignancies, the need for a precise histological diagnosis is fundamental to work up an adequate therapeutic protocol. Given the difficulties in getting an electronic microscope in any hospital, the method used in the present case is quite significant since it made precise diagnosis possible even on bioptic fragments fixed in non buffered formalin. Finally some problems regarding diagnosis and treatment linked to diagnosis by means of electronic microscopy are discussed.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Marcucci
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Canta
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Warsame
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Paternesi
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Taglia
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009669:Nose Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D011859:Radiography
vernacular_title: Il melanoma amelanotico primitivo delle fosse nasali. Importanza della ricerca ultrastrutturale nella diagnosi.