The Surface Morphology of the Melanoma Cell: A Scanning Electron Microscope Study on the Primary Cutaneous Melanoma

Abstract

The surface morphology of the melanoma cell in situ is summarized with regard to a study undertaken to elucidate the appearance of melanocytes and their differentiation in the surroundings of the malignant melanoma. Despite a non uniform cell pattern, several characteristic changes were found. The cells were 2–3 times the size of normal melanocytes, a number being differentiated by dendrites. The surface of the cell was marked by numerous extensions, a number of which had differentiations that indicate a special function, though some smooth-surfaced cells were also found. It is possible that cell surfaces with many bulges and extensions are an expression of an unstable, undulating surface which could be of significance for the uncontrolled growth and metastasis of tumours.