A case of multiple atypical nevi with co-localized Basal cell carcinomas on the scalp: insight into the pathogenesis

The authors report a case of a 29-year-old female with multiple lesions on the scalp containing an atypical nevus and a co-localized basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in the same specimen. This is the first description of such a case in the literature. The peculiar co-existence of these 2 neoplasms in the same specimen in multiple skin lesions raises the possibility of an unknown mutation(s) that increases the risk of developing both conditions; and this case illustrates that the signaling pathways mediating the development of atypical nevi may interact with those associated with BCCs. Additionally, crosstalk between melanocytes and basal keratinocytes, which are both located in the basal layer of the epidermis, may contribute to the development of these coexisting neoplasms.