An immunoperoxidase study of S-100 protein in neoplastic cells in serous effusions. Use as a marker for melanoma.
S-100 protein has been demonstrated on histologic sections in a number of neural and nonneural tissues, including a variety of neoplasms. Since pleural or peritoneal effusions are frequently the initial presentation of cancer, a study was undertaken to determine if S-100 protein in exfoliated cancer cells could be used as a marker for melanoma. Cells in 36 serous fluids obtained from 32 patients were retrospectively examined for S-100 protein by the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique. All samples had been previously studied as Papanicolaou-stained cytology specimens, and 25 samples had been studied by transmission electron microscopy. All benign effusions were negative for S-100 protein. Malignant effusions were negative except for some that contained malignant melanoma cells: two of five pigmented melanomas and both cases of amelanotic melanoma. This study indicates that S-100 protein in malignant cells is a useful marker for malignant melanomas, especially the amelanotic type.
D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D009418:S100 Proteins / Q000032:analysis*
D009418:S100 Proteins