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Abstract
Melanoma is a malignancy of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) located predominantly in the skin, but also found in the eyes, ears, gastrointestinal tract, leptomeninges, and oral and genital mucous membranes. Melanoma accounts for only 4% of all skin cancers; however, it causes the greatest number of skin cancerrelated deaths worldwide. Early detection of thin cutaneous melanoma is the best means of reducing mortality. Primary cutaneous melanoma may develop in precursor melanocytic naevi (ie, common, congenital, and atypical/dysplastic types), although more than 60% of cases are believed to arise de novo (ie, not from a preexisting pigmented lesion).
The development of melanoma is multifactorial and appears to be related to multiple risk factors, including fair complexion, excessive childhood sun exposure and blistering childhood sunburns, an increased number of common and dysplastic moles, a family history of melanoma, and the presence of a changing mole or evolving lesion on the skin.
The cytologic diagnosis of malignant melanoma can be challenging because melanoma may manifest itself with a diverse cytologic appearance.
Galectin-3 is a member of the galectin gene family that is expressedat elevated levels in a variety of neoplastic cell types andhas been associated with cell growth, cellular adhesion processes, cell proliferation, transformation, metastasis, and apoptosis.