Cytology of malignant melanoma of soft parts: fine-needle aspirates and exfoliative specimens

Abstract

We describe the morphologic features of 25 cytology specimens (13 fine-needle aspirates and 12 exfoliative specimens) obtained from nine patients with malignant melanoma of soft parts (MMSP). Analysis of the fine-needle aspirates and exfoliative specimens revealed primarily a dispersed cell population with occasional cell clustering. Tumor cells were round to polygonal with moderately abundant cytoplasm and had round nuclei with prominent nucleoli. In two cases, an initial definitive diagnosis of MMSP was rendered on material obtained by fine-needle aspiration with the aid of immunocytochemical and ultrastructural studies.