Neuropilin-2 as a useful marker in the differentiation between Spitzoid malignant melanoma and Spitz nevus - 14/12/12
Abstract |
Background |
Spitzoid malignant melanoma (SMM) shares many histopathologic features with Spitz nevus (SN). The distinction between SMM and SN remains one of the most difficult diagnostic problems in dermatopathology. Neuropilin-2 (NRP2) is a cytoplasmic/cell surface protein that is a mediator of melanoma-endothelial cell interaction.
Objective |
The aim of this study was to evaluate NRP2 expression in SMM and SN and to determine whether it can reliably differentiate between the 2 groups.
Methods |
We studied the expression of NRP2 in 19 cases of SMM and 19 cases of SN from Yale Spitzoid Neoplasm Repository, New Haven, Conn.
Results |
All 19 cases of SMM (100%) expressed NRP2. Most SMM showed moderate- and high-intensity staining in the majority of the melanoma cells. Most of the SN (14/19, 74%) were negative for the marker. NRP2 labeled only 5 of 19 SN (26%) and all of them demonstrated mild staining intensity. NRP2+ staining was statistically significant in differentiating SMM from SN (P < .05).
Limitations |
Small study size is a limitation.
Conclusions |
NRP2 expression in SMM and SN may be a useful adjunct marker, in addition to histopathologic evaluation, in the differentiation between these 2 entities.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Key words : immunohistochemical staining, melanoma, neuropilin, Spitz nevus, Spitzoid malignant melanoma
Abbreviations used : MM, NRP, SIS, SMM, SN
Plan
Funding sources: None. |
|
Conflicts of interest: None declared. |
Vol 68 - N° 1
P. 129-137 - janvier 2013 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
L’accès au texte intégral de cet article nécessite un abonnement.
Déjà abonné à cette revue ?