I understand that in a sentinal node biopsy for melanoma, the sentinal
node is taken out, sectioned and examined for melanoma. How is the
melanoma found in these sections? Is it by appearance? Is it by the
presence of melanin where it shouldnt be? What specifically is the
sign of melanoma in these sections?
.
dboh…@mindspring.com (Parallax) wrote in message <news:792abaf9.0409030909.9e0d255@posting.google.com>…
> I understand that in a sentinal node biopsy for melanoma, the sentinal
> node is taken out, sectioned and examined for melanoma. How is the
> melanoma found in these sections? Is it by appearance? Is it by the
> presence of melanin where it shouldnt be? What specifically is the
> sign of melanoma in these sections?
The slices are usually stained with a contrast agent and then
‘allegedly’ examined under a microscope for the presense of ‘nests’ of
melanin cells.
rudyguliani…@hotmail.com (rudy) wrote in message <news:861539f1.0409081803.6e86f985@posting.google.com>…
> dboh…@mindspring.com (Parallax) wrote in message <news:792abaf9.0409030909.9e0d255@posting.google.com>…
> > I understand that in a sentinal node biopsy for melanoma, the sentinal
> > node is taken out, sectioned and examined for melanoma. How is the
> > melanoma found in these sections? Is it by appearance? Is it by the
> > presence of melanin where it shouldnt be? What specifically is the
> > sign of melanoma in these sections?
> The slices are usually stained with a contrast agent and then
> ‘allegedly’ examined under a microscope for the presense of ‘nests’ of
> melanin cells.
Can you be a little more specific? Does the contrast agent stain the
melanin?
I am interested because I have an idea for automation of the process
where very small collections of cells could be seen.
How thin are the slices?
How many slices are viewed for one lymph node?
Thanks for your help
David OHara
parallax Research, inc.