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Pleomorphic basal cell carcinoma: case reports and review
Juan P Tschen1, Philip R Cohen, Keith E Schulze
1St. Thomas University, Houston, TX, USA.
Southern Medical Journal
|March 24, 2006
Summary
Pleomorphic basal cell carcinoma, a rare variant, features giant tumor cells but shares a similar clinical course with typical basal cell carcinoma. Mohs surgery offers successful treatment for these aneuploid tumors.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Pleomorphic basal cell carcinoma (PBCC) is a rare histopathologic variant of basal cell carcinoma.
- It is distinguished by the presence of atypical mononuclear or multinucleated giant cells.
Observation:
- A total of 52 PBCC cases, including 3 new ones, have been documented in 48 individuals.
- Tumors typically manifest as nodules on the head or neck.
- Giant tumor cells exhibit irregular, hyperchromatic nuclei, significantly larger than surrounding cancer cells, and may show atypical mitoses.
Findings:
- All PBCC tumors analyzed were aneuploid.
- Despite alarming microscopic features, PBCC demonstrates a clinical course comparable to non-pleomorphic basal cell carcinomas.
- Investigations using advanced techniques provide insights into giant cell features and cancer etiology.
Implications:
- PBCC requires appropriate therapeutic strategies for effective management.
- Mohs micrographic surgery proved successful in treating the reported PBCC cases.
- Understanding the pathogenesis of PBCC is crucial for future treatment advancements.
