spindle cell melanoma, pigmented
Histologic Features
- Thin or ulcerated epidermis
- A proliferation of atypical melanocytes at the dermo-epidermal junction with a pagetoid spread to the upper epidermis
- A dense proliferation of spindle cells arranged in short fascicles within the dermis, extending into the subcutis
- Characteristic spindle cells showing pleomorphic, oval vesicular nuclei and prominent nucleoli
- Continuity of the epidermal proliferation with the dermal component.
- A tendency for neurotropism
- Many mitotic figures, some are atypical
- Destruction of the adnexal structures
Updated Wednesday, July 31, 2013 8:30:48 PM