Tyrosinase

Formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissue block or cell block, or 1 unstained charged slide for each test requested plus 3-4 additional unstained slides cut at 4 microns. Adequate space on each slide for control tissue is required.

Tyrosinase is the principal enzyme required for the synthesis of melanin. It is expressed in epidermal melanocytes and pigmented epithelia of the retina, iris, and ciliary body of the eye. It is a highly specific and sensitive marker for melanocytic differentiation and may help in the diagnosis of melanoma. Tyrosinase is also expressed in clear cell sarcomas and a subset of PEComas, including angiomyolipomas of the kidney.