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Melanoma — SCE Dermatology MCQ

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HardDermoscopyMelanomaSCE Dermatology

A rapidly growing amelanotic scalp nodule contains pleomorphic spindle cells. Which immunohistochemical combination most strongly supports melanoma over atypical fibroxanthoma and spindle-cell squamous carcinoma?

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Correct answer: ESOX10 and S100 positivity

SOX10 and S100 support melanocytic differentiation in an amelanotic spindle-cell tumour, including desmoplastic melanoma in which Melan-A may be negative. Cytokeratins support squamous carcinoma, while ERG and CD31 support vascular differentiation.

Reference: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng14/chapter/recommendations