Comparison of SOX-10, HMB-45, and Melan-A in Benign Melanocytic Lesions

Purpose Different immunohistochemical stains are used in dermatopathology to stain melanocytes and diagnose benign and malignant melanocytic lesions. Methods SOX-10, HMB-45, and Melan-A immunohistochemical stains were used to assess 32 biopsy specimens with a histologic diagnosis of lentigo. The total number of melanocytes stained with each immunohistochemical stain was counted and an average count was obtained from two readings. Results Analysis of the data revealed a significant difference in staining melanocytes between these three immunostains (p=0.0010, ANOVA). SOX-10 stained 0.195 more melanocytes than HMB-45 (p=0.0026). Similarly, Melan-A stained 0.195 more melanocytes than HMB-45 (p=0.0011). However, the difference between SOX-10 and Melan-A was not statistically significant (p=0.9810). Conclusion SOX-10 and Melan-A immunostaining stain more melanocytes than HMB-45. No significant difference was noted between Melan-A and SOX-10.