July 01, 1997

Metastatic Amelanotic Melanoma

Electron Microscopic Results

Electron microscopy revealed tumor cells with a moderate amount of cytoplasm and loosely connected cells. The nuclei were lobulated and some had large nucleoli. (Fig. 1). Initial ultrastructural review of the specimen noted many cytoplasmic organelles suggesting that lymphoma was an unlikely diagnosis. A lack of desmosomes, tonofilaments and other epithelial cell features also tended to exclude carcinoma. None of the usual ultrastructural markers associated with the various sarcomas could be found. A survey of the tumor at higher magnification showed the presence of diagnostically useful cytoplasmic organelles.

Sections Clinical History Electron Microscopy (low magification) Electron Microscopy (high magification) Diagnosis and Comment To: Higher magnification electron microscopy

Figure 1. Magnification x3,300

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