DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. Note that this may not provide an exact translation in all languages
Home Topics A–Z Neurocristic hamartoma pathology
Author: Adjunct A/Prof Patrick Emanuel, Dermatopathologist, Clínica Ricardo Palma, Lima, Peru. DermNet NZ Editor in Chief: Adjunct A/Prof Amanda Oakley. Copy edited by Maria McGivern/Gus Mitchell. June 2018.
Neurocristic hamartoma presents as a slowly enlarging multinodular variably pigmented plaque. It most commonly presents in the head and neck region but has been described arising in a diverse range of sites. Malignant transformation is a well-described complication.
In neurocristic hamartoma, the histopathology shows a lesion composed of various components of neural crest origin, typically melanocytes, stroma and peripheral nerves. Low power examination shows a lesion which extends deep in to the dermis, involves the subcutis (figure 1), and surrounds the hair follicles (figure 2). Closer examination shows areas with epithelioid melanocytes with heavy pigmentation (figure 3). In other areas there is a mixture of fibrous areas and peripheral nerve differentiation. Sometimes, the epithelioid areas can show a degree of nuclear atypia and even frankly malignant nuclear changes.
Neurocristic hamartoma pathology
Immunohistochemistry demonstrates that the areas with melanocytic differentiation are positive with Melan-A, S100 and often with HMB-45. The neural areas are negative with Melan-A and HMB-45 but show S100 reactivity. Fibrous regions of the lesion are negative for all of these markers.
Other diagnoses to be considered include:
Pearson JP, Weiss SW, Headington JT. Cutaneous malignant melanotic neurocristic tumors arising in neurocristic hamartomas. A melanocytic tumor morphologically and biologically distinct from common melanoma. Am J Surg Pathol.
1996 Jun;20(6):665–77. PubMed PMID: 8651345.
Books about skin diseases
© 2022 DermNet New Zealand Trust.
DermNet NZ does not provide an online consultation service. If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice.