Ultrarapid Staining for Cutaneous Melanoma: Study and Protocol

BACKGROUNDImmunohistochemistry has revolutionized the use of frozen sections for the removal of melanoma. OBJECTIVETwo studies were performed to address the best and fastest way to stain melanocytes in frozen tissue sections. MATERIALS AND METHODSFifty-six standing cones were taken from sun-damaged white skin and stained with combinations of anti–S-100, anti–HMB-45, anti–Melan-A, and azure B with appropriate controls. RESULTSAnti–Melan-A was the best immunohistochemical stain. Azure B stains melanin granules metachromatically green and allows differentiation of melanocytes and melanophages. Ultrarapid staining worked as well as rapid staining. CONCLUSIONDakoʼs EnVision ultrarapid staining protocol and azure B counterstain represent a dramatic improvement and should be considered the easily obtainable histologic standard when excising cutaneous melanoma