[Clear cells in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma].

Area of Science:

• Dermatopathology
• Oncology
• Histology

Context:

• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can exhibit clear cells, though their prevalence and significance are not fully understood.
• Few published cases detail SCC with clear cells, necessitating further investigation into their diagnostic implications.

Purpose:

• To investigate the frequency and histological patterns of clear cells in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
• To determine the association of clear cells with SCC characteristics, such as stage and subtype.
• To evaluate the diagnostic utility of clear cells in suggesting adnexal differentiation versus other causes like pagetoid Bowen disease.

Summary:

• This study analyzed 249 SCCs using clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical methods.
• Clear cells were observed in 96 SCCs (over 25%), with higher proportions in advanced SCCs and those associated with Bowen disease.
• Two distinct histological patterns of clear cells were identified, and true adnexal differentiation was found in only 7.6% of cases.

Impact:

• The findings indicate that clear cells are frequently present in SCC, particularly in advanced stages.
• The presence of clear cells can be indicative of adnexal differentiation, but often represents infiltration by pagetoid Bowen disease.
• Understanding these patterns aids in accurate diagnosis and differentiation of SCC subtypes.