[Vitality evaluation of malignant melanoma metastases following endolymphatic radionuclide therapy using the Falck-Hillarp method].

A case of malignant melanoma involving the regional lymphnodes was treated by endolymphatic isotope therapy. Because of the great diameter the radiation of some metastases was not completely sufficient. Fluorescent and living cells of malignant melanoma between damaged cells could be seen in the center of these metastases. Melanophages surrounded concentrically the central part of the metastases enclosing the melanoma cells. It is shown that in the search and identification for pigment producing melanoma cells the fluorescent histochemical method of Falck-Hillarp is superior to usual light microscopical methods. Beyond of this, the phenomenon of fluorescence in malignant melanoma cells probably is an indication for the vitality of these cells.