Expression of E. Cadherin Adhesive Molecules in Melanocytic Naevi And Malignant Melanomas

Abstract

Malignant melanoma is a pigmented, cutaneous and serious tumour encountered by the dermatologist and arising from epidermal melanocytes.

• E. CD IS a calcium- dependant cell- cell adhesion molecule expressed by melanocytes and responsible for their adhesion to keratinocytes.

• The aim of this work: The aim of this work was to investigate the potential role of E.cadherin in melanocyte - keratinocyte interaction, study the immunohistochemical expression ofE- cadherin in melanocytic naevi and malignant melanoma and examine the relationship between its expression and various pathobiologic tumour features to evaluate its prognostic value.

J Case control study was conducted including 50 cases. These include: = • Ten patients suffering from malignant melanoma of various types,

three cases were diagnosed as lentigo maligna melanoma (L.M.M.), two were diagnosed as superficial spreading melanoma (S.S.M.), three were diagnosed as acrallentiginous melanoma (A.L.M.N.) and the last two were diagnosed as nodular melanoma (N.M.). • Thirty patients with melanocytic naevi of various types.

• Ten-control, age & sex matched individuals.

• All patients and controls were subjected to excisiOn biopsy and immuno peroxidase staining for E. CD in tissue sections.