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Pigmented Neurofibroma
Author(s) -
Jurecka Wolfgang
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
the journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.9
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1346-8138
pISSN - 0385-2407
DOI - 10.1111/j.1346-8138.1988.tb03671.x
Subject(s) - neurofibroma , melanin , pathology , electron microscope , nevus , tumor cells , anatomy , melanoma , biology , medicine , cancer research , neurofibromatosis , physics , genetics , optics
A 24‐year‐old male patient suffering from a large‐coconut‐sized neurofibroma is described. In the tumor, sharply demarcated areas of melanin containing cells were seen. These cells were identified as melanin producers by the premelanosomes seen by electron microscope. Although the coexistence of neurofibroma with another melanin‐producing tumor, such as cellular blue nevus, could not be ruled out, this tumor shows the close relationship between tumors of the peripheral nervous system and melanocytic malformations or pigmented nevi. These observations are relevant to the controversy over the histiogenesis of these pigmented lesions and support Masson's view that nerve sheath cells are capable of melanogenesis.