An occult primary malignant melanoma in a black. Initial diagnosis by aspiration biopsy cytology of a metastasis.
Aspiration of tissue through a fine needle is a feasible way of obtaining material for diagnosis. The value, readability, and specificity of aspiration biopsy cytology is illustrated by a case in which nonpigmented neoplastic cells from an axillary mass were interpretable as metastatic malignant melanoma. That interpretation was later confirmed by conventional and electron microscopy of tissue. A search for the primary lesion led to recognition and excision of a malignant neoplasm with Schwannian features that probably arose in a congenital nevus.
D000293:Adolescent; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D044383:Black People; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology