Embryonic vasculogenesis in nodular melanomas and tumour differentiation.

The relationship of vasculogenic mimicry to pigment in nodular vertical growth phase [VGP] cutaneous melanomas is assessed in this study. 10 nodules each from 27 tumors, 15 pigmented and 12 amelanotic were sampled in proportion to the pigment level. Serial frozen and paraffin sections subjected to HE, Reticulin, PAS to assess the vascular pattern; Dopa Oxidase and Immunopositivity for HMB45, LN5 [laminin 5] & integrin[α(5)β(1)], and EM [electron microscopy] to identify Weibel-Palade bodies within endothelial cells.