The Presence of Melanocytes in the Nasal Cavity

Abstract

Dendritic cells containing melanin pigment have been demonstrated with silver impregnation and bleaching techniques in the nasal cavities of both Caucasians and Negroes. They were found in the respiratory epithelium, nasal glands and commonly in the superficial and deep stroma of the septum and middle and inferior turbinates, particularly in adult Negroes. The presence of melanocytes explains the histogenesis of melanomas of the nasal cavity as primary neoplasms at this site.

Malignant Melanoma Arising in Association with Sinonasal Melanosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…Zak and Lawson demonstrated melanocytes within the nasal mucosa, glands and stroma [6]. Melanocytes within mucous glands may participate in a widespread junctional change associated with melanoma [14].…”

“…Intranasal malignant melanoma represents approximately 1% of total malignant melanomas arising at all body sites [4]. Dendritic melanocytes have been identified within the intranasal respiratory epithelium and may represent the site of origin for many if not most nasal malignant melanomas [4][5][6].…”

“…The precise origin of the melanin pigment within the oncocytic epithelium is unclear. Melanocytes are known to exist within the stroma and epithelium of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses [5,6,9] and these cells may be the source of the melanin pigment within the oncocytic epithelium [7]. Cases of melanotic oncocytic metaplasia demonstrate dendritic melanocytes which are S-100 positive but HMB-45 negative.…”

Malignant melanoma of nose

“…Most of the tumours arise at the vestibule of the nose and very few in the nasal cavities and sinuses. Melanocytes in the nasal cavity can be found in the respiratory epithelium and nasal gland, (site of apparent predilection for MM) (Zak & Lawson, 1974). Although the olfactory epithelium is rich in melanin pigment, no MM has been found to arise from this epithelium.…”

“…There was no palpable regional lymph node. Septum of the nose was not involved and 1 Tutor, 2 PGT(MS), 3 Associate Professor, Deptt. of E.N.T.,N R S Medical College, Calcutta.…”