Tumors of Schwann's cells and pigmented skin cells |
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Authors: | J M Bruner |
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Abstract: | Both melanocytes and peripheral nerve sheath cells have an established origin from the neural crest. Benign and malignant neoplasms of these cells have distinctive ultrastructural features, but there is a group of tumors that has some characteristics of both cell types. The distinguishing feature of melanocytic neoplasms is the presence of cytoplasmic premelanosomes, which indicates cellular synthesis of melanin. Nerve-sheath neoplasms may show ultrastructural variation, but are generally found to have long cell processes associated with basal lamina-like material. Immunocytochemistry can be used to help distinguish tumors of melanocytic and Schwann's cells from unrelated neoplasms. |
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