The spectrum of malignant melanoma on cytology: A tertiary care center study

Abstract

Introduction Malignant melanoma accounts for around 3% of all malignancies. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a convenient diagnostic procedure for the diagnosis of melanoma and its metastases. Aim To explore the cytological spectrum of malignant melanoma including the rare metastatic sites. Material and Methods A total of 51 patients of malignant melanoma or its metastases on FNAC were studied over a period of 5 years. The FNAC smears of these cases were analyzed in detail by two different observers (GC and PD). Results Among the 51 patients studied, the mean age was 54 years (range 19‐97 years). Male‐to‐female ratio was 1.04:1 with 25 females and 26 males. The commonest primary site of the melanoma cases was lower extremity. The inguinal lymph node was the most common site for metastasis. Melanin pigment was the predominant feature followed by prominent nucleoli. Epithelioid pattern was the predominant shape. Conclusion Cytopathologists must be aware of the wide range of morphological spectrum seen in the cases of melanoma for a greater accuracy in diagnosis and to circumvent pitfalls in diagnosing melanoma.

Cytomorphological Spectrum of Malignant Melanoma

“…These finding are in concordance with Kapatia et al . [ 16 ] However, Perry et al . [ 17 ] and Saqi et al .…”

Malignant granular cell tumors: Combining cytological and pathological findings for a definitive diagnosis

“…Although few reports have described the FNA cytology findings of MGCTs, previous reports documented FNA cytology findings such as nuclear pleomorphism, spindle‐shaped cells, increased N:C ratio, vesicular nuclei with enlarged nucleoli, granular chromatin, and hyperchromasia indicative of a malignant nature in addition to characteristic findings of GCT 6–9 . However, other malignancies such as malignant melanoma, 6,11 rhabdomyosarcoma, 6,12 alveolar soft part sarcoma, 6,8 and apocrine carcinoma 6,13 showing granular cytoplasm, nuclear pleomorphism, and, occasionally, spindle‐shaped or epithelioid cells should be considered for differential diagnoses of MGCT. The main cytomorphological and IHC findings for differential diagnoses are shown in Table 1.…”

Cytologic diagnosis of metastatic melanoma by FNA: A practical review

“…Cytoplasmic melanin pigment appears yellow‐brown with Papanicolaou stain and brown‐black with May‐Grunwald‐Giemsa stain. Although the occurrence of the melanin pigment has been reported to vary across different series, overall, it is observed in <50% of cases 10,21,23 . Melanin pigmentation may sometimes be observed macroscopically in the aspirated material (Fig.…”

“…Although the occurrence of the melanin pigment has been reported to vary across different series, overall, it is observed in <50% of cases. 10 , 21 , 23 Melanin pigmentation may sometimes be observed macroscopically in the aspirated material (Fig. 3 ).…”