S100 expression by atypical megakaryocytes: a previously unreported potential pitfall in dermatopathology

J Cutan Pathol. 2014 Dec;41(12):963-8. doi: 10.1111/cup.12426. Epub 2014 Dec 5.

Abstract

Several types of large atypical epithelioid cells can mimic tumoral melanocytes and can therefore be a source of misdiagnosis of melanoma. Megakaryocytes are one of these types, and are not frequently mentioned in the literature. In the current report, we present the case of a 76-year-old man presenting with acute panmyelosis with myelofibrosis. The bone marrow biopsy contained atypical megakaryocytes that expressed S100 in the cytoplasm. We discuss how such aberrant expression could be a source of some diagnostic problems in dermatopathology, including cutaneous melanoma, metastasis of melanoma in bone marrow and metastasis of melanoma in sentinel lymph nodes.

Keywords: acute panmyelosis with myelofibrosis; bone marrow; metastatic melanoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biopsy
  • Bone Marrow / metabolism
  • Bone Marrow / pathology
  • Cytoplasm / metabolism
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Megakaryocytes / metabolism*
  • Megakaryocytes / pathology*
  • Primary Myelofibrosis / diagnosis
  • Primary Myelofibrosis / metabolism*
  • Primary Myelofibrosis / pathology*
  • S100 Proteins / biosynthesis*

Substances

  • S100 Proteins