Ocular melanoma metastatic to skin: the value of HMB-45 staining.
BACKGROUND
Cutaneous metastatic disease is an important finding that may represent the first sign of systemic cancer, or, if already known, that may change tumor staging and thus dramatically altered therapeutic plans. Although cutaneous metastases are relatively frequent in patients with cutaneous melanoma, they are less so from ocular melanoma.


OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the value of HMB-45, staining in the detection of ocular melanoma metastatic to skin.


METHODS
The immunohistochemical stain HMB-45 a monoclonal antibody directed against intact human melanoma cells, was employed on a skin biopsy specimen from a cutaneous tumor.


RESULTS
HMB-45 staining was positive in the atypical hyperchromatic cells of the deep dermis.


CONCLUSIONS
HMB-45 may be of value in the detection of ocular melanoma metastatic to skin. Cutaneous metastatic disease is a somewhat common and extremely important diagnosis. Although cutaneous metastases from cutaneous melanoma are relatively frequent, those from ocular melanomas are less so. Use of histochemical staining, especially the HMB-45 stain, allows confirmation of the diagnosis.
Schwartz
Robert A
RA
Dermatology, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA. roschwar@umdnj.edu
Kist
Joseph M
JM
Thomas
Isabelle
I
Fernández
Geover
G
Cruz
Manuel A
MA
Koziorynska
Ewa I
EI
Lambert
W Clark
WC
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005134:Eye Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000556:secondary; D058950:Melanoma-Specific Antigens; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000556:secondary
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D058950:Melanoma-Specific Antigens; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins