Heavily pigmented melanocytic neoplasms: comparison of two melanin-bleaching techniques and subsequent immunohistochemical staining

The effect of melanin bleaching using permanganate/oxalate and dilute hydro gen peroxide on subsequent immunohistochemical staining of heavily pigmente d melanocytic neoplasms is investigated. Permanganate/oxalate precluded the use of some antibodies but allowed much faster bleaching times, whereas di lute hydrogen peroxide enabled a full range of antibodies to be used, yet b leaching times were far longer. Each technique has advantages; however, the choice of method should be determined by the nature of the information nee ded to make a diagnosis and the speed at which a report is required.