BACKGROUND: Angiomyolipomas are tumors composed of adipose tissue, blood vessels and smooth muscle. Although renal angiomyolipomas are well known, cutaneous tumors have been described only recently. HMB-45 reactivity, reported for renal angiomyolipomas, has been suggested as a useful tool in differential diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: Two cases of cutaneous angiomyolipoma are described and investigated for HMB-45 reactivity. METHODS: Conventional histochemical and immunohistochemical methods were used. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical analysis showed no reactivity for HMB-45 antibody. CONCLUSION: We conclude that, unlike renal angiomyolipomas, HMB-45 reactivity is not helpful in differentiating cutaneous angiomyolipomas.
BACKGROUND:Angiomyolipomas are tumors composed of adipose tissue, blood vessels and smooth muscle. Although renal angiomyolipomas are well known, cutaneous tumors have been described only recently. HMB-45 reactivity, reported for renal angiomyolipomas, has been suggested as a useful tool in differential diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: Two cases of cutaneous angiomyolipoma are described and investigated for HMB-45 reactivity. METHODS: Conventional histochemical and immunohistochemical methods were used. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical analysis showed no reactivity for HMB-45 antibody. CONCLUSION: We conclude that, unlike renal angiomyolipomas, HMB-45 reactivity is not helpful in differentiating cutaneous angiomyolipomas.