Malignant melanoma vimentin

The immunohistochemical attributes of CCS do largely mirror those of malignant melanoma. They include reactivity for vimentin, S-100 protein (Fig. 

FIGURE 7.4 Intense vimentin (V) labeling is typically present in the cells of all malignant melanomas, as shown here. 

Caselitz J, Janner M, Breitbart E, et al. Malignant melanomas contain only the vimentin type of intermediate filaments. Virchows Arch A. 1983 400 43-51. 

As known by most surgical pathologists, malignant melanomas may show significant variability in differentiation. Nearly all show immunostaining for S-100 protein and vimentin. Approximately 50% immuno-stain for human melanoma black-45 (HMB-45) antigen. Most stain for pan melanoma antibody. Rare melanomas immunostain for keratin, " which can cause diagnostic confusion. 

ICC has proved most practical in the identification of melanoma. The tumor cells are immunoreactive for HMB45 (anti-melanoma), S-100 protein, and other melanoma markers. Vimentin, while positive in melanomas, is also positive in mesotheliomas, sarcomas, and some carcinomas. Malignant melanoma cells are immunoreactive for HMB45 and Melan-A in 60% to 80% of melanomas. Cytokeratin immunoreactivity has been reported in malignant melanoma in 1% to 27% of cases, but immunostaining in these cells is usually weak and focal (Fig. 21.14)." ... 

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