Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
09:37
Combining Reflectance Confocal Microscopy with Optical Coherence Tomography for Noninvasive Diagnosis of Skin Cancers via Image Acquisition
Published on: August 18, 2022
[Cutaneous basosquamous cell carcinoma]
1Universitäts-Hals-Nasen-Ohrenklinik, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122 Essen, Deutschland. goetz.lehnerdt@uni-due.de
HNO
|April 28, 2007
Summary
Basosquamous carcinoma (BSC) is a rare skin cancer with features of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Immunohistological staining aids diagnosis, and treatment should resemble SCC due to its aggressive nature and metastatic potential.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Basosquamous carcinoma (BSC) is a rare skin malignancy.
- It exhibits histopathological features of both basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
- The histological diagnosis and surgical management of BSC remain challenging due to its low incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of basosquamous carcinoma.
- To evaluate the utility of immunohistological markers in BSC diagnosis.
- To inform surgical management strategies for BSC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of nine BSC cases (8 male, 1 female; average age 68.6 years).
- Immunohistochemical staining using epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and BerEP4.
- Surgical interventions included partial/total pinna removal, auricle removal with parotidectomy/neck dissection, and local excision.
Main Results:
- Immunohistochemical staining showed negative EMA (except in pearl formations) and positive BerEP4 in all cases.
- Surgical treatments varied based on location and extent.
- Median follow-up was 45 months, with one local recurrence observed.
Conclusions:
- Immunohistological staining with EMA and BerEP4 confirms the diagnosis of BSC.
- BSC is a rare, aggressive skin tumor with a significant risk of metastasis, despite histological similarities to BCC.
- Therapeutic strategies for BSC should align with those for SCC, considering patient age and general health.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:24Cells of the Epidermis
The epidermis is made of four or five layers of epithelial cells, depending on its location in the body. From deep to superficial, these layers are the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum.
The cells in all these layers except the stratum basale are called keratinocytes, a type of cell that manufactures and stores the protein keratin. The keratinocytes in the stratum corneum are dead and regularly slough away, being replaced by cells from...
The cells in all these layers except the stratum basale are called keratinocytes, a type of cell that manufactures and stores the protein keratin. The keratinocytes in the stratum corneum are dead and regularly slough away, being replaced by cells from...
01:12Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells
The skin is divided into epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, the skin's outermost, middle, and inner layers. The human epidermal layer regularly undergoes renewal, where old, dead cells are replaced by new cells. Epidermal stem cells or EpiSCs divide and differentiate to restore the lost cells. For the renewal process, some EpiSCs continuously self-renew. In contrast, few others differentiate into transit-amplifying cells, which later form prickle or spinous cells, followed by granular cells,...
01:21Layers of the Epidermis
The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, is composed of several distinct layers. From deep to superficial, the layers of the epidermis are as follows:
Stratum Basale
Stratum basale, also known as the stratum germinativum, is the deepest layer of the epidermis. It is composed of a single layer of actively dividing cells called basal cells or basal keratinocytes. These cells constantly undergo cell division to replenish the upper layers of the epidermis. Additionally, melanocytes, which...
Stratum Basale
Stratum basale, also known as the stratum germinativum, is the deepest layer of the epidermis. It is composed of a single layer of actively dividing cells called basal cells or basal keratinocytes. These cells constantly undergo cell division to replenish the upper layers of the epidermis. Additionally, melanocytes, which...
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:19Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
Epidermal stem cells (EpiSCs) are mainly located at the basal layer of the epidermis. These cells repair minor injuries of the skin and replace dead skin cells. However, EpiSCs’ cannot heal severe wounds such as major burns or those from diabetes or hereditary disorders. In such cases, culturing the epidermal stem cells from the patient is possible and has yielded successful treatment options, such as laboratory-grown skin grafts. These grafts are synthesized using a patient’s own EpiSCs...