Findings

Note proliferation of neoplastic melanocytes with invasion into the dermis and epidermis, including the stratum corneum.

Impression

Malignant melanoma

Pathology Pointer

The normal number of melanocytes is one per 10 keratinocytes. Melanocytes are normally located in the basal layer of the epidermis. Therefore, their appearance elsewhere is abnormal.

Preparation

Fixed, H & E stain

View

Light micrograph

Specimen

Skin

Image Credit

Katsumi M. Miyai, M.D., Ph.D
Department of Pathology
School of Medicine
University of California, San Diego