Abstract | BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a major environmental causal factor for skin malignancy. In this study, we investigated the morphology of the solar elastosis (SE) band in benign and malignant melanocytic lesions. METHODS: We measured the SE band in perilesional and lesional skin of 13 melanomas (9 invasive and 4 in situ) and 11 melanocytic nevi (5 usual intradermal nevi, 4 blue nevi and 2 desmoplastic nevi) occurring in sun-exposed areas. RESULTS: The melanoma and nevus groups had similar age range, gender ratio and anatomic distribution. The mean SE thickness was 0.35 mm in melanomas and 0.29 mm in nevi (p = 0.56), indicating similar UVR exposure. There was a mean downward SE displacement (SED) of 0.43 mm in melanomas and essentially no displacement (-0.02 mm) in nevi (p < 0.005). Tumor cells and inflammatory host response were responsible for SED in melanoma. CONCLUSIONS: SED may help in the differential diagnosis of melanocytic lesions in sun-exposed areas. In melanoma, the new lesion depresses the pre-existing SE band. Conversely, the long-standing nevus co-exists with the SE band without significant displacement. Evaluation of the SE band may help to differentiate melanoma with chronic sun-induced damage as they have a distinct set of molecular alterations.
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Authors | Marcelo G Horenstein, Courtney L Norton, Tara N Evans |
Journal | Journal of cutaneous pathology
(J Cutan Pathol)
Vol. 34
Issue 5
Pg. 376-80
(May 2007)
ISSN: 0303-6987 [Print] United States |
PMID | 17448191
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Female
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Male
- Melanoma
(complications, pathology)
- Middle Aged
- Nevus, Pigmented
(pathology)
- Skin Diseases
(complications, pathology)
- Skin Neoplasms
(complications, pathology)
- Sunlight
(adverse effects)
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