Cytologic diagnosis of metastatic melanoma by FNA: A practical review. Issue 1 (26th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ronchi, Andrea; Montella, Marco; Zito Marino, Federica; Argenziano, Giuseppe; Moscarella, Elvira; Brancaccio, Gabriella; Ferraro, Giuseppe; Nicoletti, Giovanni Francesco; Troiani, Teresa; Franco, Renato; Cozzolino, Immacolata
• Is Part Of: Cancer cytopathology. Volume 130:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 18
• Page End: 29
• Publication Date: 2021-07-26
• Subjects: BRAF -- fine‐needle aspiration -- immunocytochemistry -- melanoma -- sentinel node; Cancer -- Cytopathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Cellular -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Technique -- Periodicals; 611.01815
• DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22488
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1934-662X

Abstract

Abstract : Malignant melanoma (MM) is a highly aggressive neoplasm with a growing worldwide incidence. It is not uncommon that the disease is already metastatic at the time of the first diagnosis. Regional lymph nodes and skin are the first and most common metastatic sites, followed by distant visceral sites (lungs, liver, and central nervous system) and bone. In this clinical setting, fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) often represents the first diagnostic approach. FNA is a useful tool to obtain a rapid and accurate diagnosis, in conjunction with ancillary techniques and molecular analysis, as recommended by recent guidelines. The aim of this review was to describe the cytomorphology, immunocytochemical tools, and molecular tools used for the diagnosis of MM metastases on FNA. Abstract : Patients with stage III/IV malignant melanoma may undergo surgery and/or systemic therapy, and the choice of systemic therapy depends on the presence of BRAF‐activating mutations. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology is a useful tool to obtain tissue for a rapid and accurate diagnosis and to perform ancillary techniques, including molecular evaluations, such as those recommended by recent guidelines.