title: Heavily pigmented melanocytic neoplasms: comparison of two melanin-bleaching techniques and subsequent immunohistochemical staining.
abstract: The effect of melanin bleaching using permanganate/oxalate and dilute hydrogen peroxide on subsequent immunohistochemical staining of heavily pigmented melanocytic neoplasms is investigated. Permanganate/oxalate precluded the use of some antibodies but allowed much faster bleaching times, whereas dilute hydrogen peroxide enabled a full range of antibodies to be used, yet bleaching times were far longer. Each technique has advantages; however, the choice of method should be determined by the nature of the information needed to make a diagnosis and the speed at which a report is required.
authors.affiliation: Dermatopathology Department, St John's Dermatology Centre, St Thomas' Hospital, London, England, UK.
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Orchard
mesh_terms: D016591:Histocytological Preparation Techniques; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008543:Melanins; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D008543:Melanins