Ultrarapid staining for cutaneous melanoma: study and protocol.
BACKGROUND
Immunohistochemistry has revolutionized the use of frozen sections for the removal of melanoma.


OBJECTIVE
Two studies were performed to address the best and fastest way to stain melanocytes in frozen tissue sections.


METHODS
Fifty-six standing cones were taken from sun-damaged white skin and stained with combinations of anti-S-100, anti-HMB-45, anti-Melan-A, and azure B with appropriate controls.


RESULTS
Anti-Melan-A was the best immunohistochemical stain. Azure B stains melanin granules metachromatically green and allows differentiation of melanocytes and melanophages. Ultrarapid staining worked as well as rapid staining.


CONCLUSIONS
Dako's EnVision ultrarapid staining protocol and azure B counterstain represent a dramatic improvement and should be considered the easily obtainable histologic standard when excising cutaneous melanoma.
Davis
Daniel A
DA
Department of Dermatology, University of Arkansas for the Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 52205, USA. davisdaniela@uams.edu
Kurtz
Kevin A
KA
Robinson
Robert A
RA
D005629:Frozen Sections / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*