Abstract:

Background: Distinction of superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) from compound nevi (CN) sometimes pose difficult diagnostic challenges. Herein, we studied cyclin D1 protein expression by immunohistochemistry in SSM and CN and evaluated the results by digital image analysis. Design: 13 CN and 12 SSM cases were retrospectively reviewed and Cyclin D1 immunohistochemistry was performed. Cyclin D1 immunohistochemistry expression analysis by computer imaging software was performed. Percent nuclear positivity of the entire dermal lesion was scored by digital analysis. The analysis was further subdivided as upper half vs lower half of the dermal lesion. Additionally, similar analysis was performed evaluating only those with strong (3+) staining intensity. Results: Cyclin D1 expression was observed in all CN and SSM. CN positive staining was present in 30-93% of the dermal nevocytes, more positive in the upper (mean 85%), than lower half (mean 57%). SSM positive staining was present in 44-96% of the dermal lesion, more positive in the upper (mean 88%) than lower half (mean 49%). When analyzed based on 3+/strong staining intensity, similar regional differences in cyclin D1 expression were observed. Conclusions: Prior studies revealed mixed results when comparing Cyclin D1 expression in melanoma versus nevi. Most of the previous studies were scored by subjective analysis. We have utilized digital imaging analysis for objective measures. In our study, Cyclin D1 immunohistochemistry expression by digital imaging analysis was insignificant when comparing CN from SSM. Separating the analysis by upper vs lower dermis and also focusing on 3+ staining intensity did not reveal any differences.

Financial Disclosure:
No current or relevant financial relationships exist.

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Stephen Koh, MD, PhD