Distinction between metastatic melanoma and primary parotid gland carcinoma using monoclonal HMB 45 antimelanoma antibody: report of a case.

A case of malignant melanoma primary of the facial skin presenting with pre-auricular and submandibular masses, both thought to be metastatic melanoma, is reported. The case illustrates the practical application of a recently developed and commercially available specific anti-melanoma monoclonal antibody, HMB 45, which is useful in distinguishing between metastatic melanoma to a submaxillary lymph node and a synchronous primary parotid, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The value of specific anti-melanoma antibody in conjunction with an antibody panel that includes S100, keratin, and epithelial membrane antigen in the distinction of melanomas from anaplastic carcinomas is discussed.