The aim of this study was to determine whether epidermal hyperplasia overlying cutaneous
human melanoma is associated with increased tumour angiogenesis, tumour growth and
the potential for metastasis. Forty-two surgical specimens of cutaneous human melanoma of
different depths, each containing epidermis present in the tumour-free margin, were
analysed by immunohistochemistry for the expression of the pro-angiogenic molecules
basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and …