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Neuroendocrine differentiation in basal cell carcinoma
Yoldez Houcine1, Ines Chelly1, Alia Zehani1
1a Department of Pathology , The La Rabta Hospital, Tunis University , Bab Saadoun, Tunis.
Journal of Immunoassay & Immunochemistry
|May 27, 2017
Summary
Neuroendocrine differentiation is common in basal cell carcinoma (BCC), with Chromogranin A detected in most cases. Synaptophysin expression was less frequent, highlighting varied neuroendocrine markers in BCC.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common skin cancer with diverse histological patterns.
- BCC can exhibit unusual differentiation, including neuroendocrine features.
- Understanding the frequency of neuroendocrine differentiation in BCC is crucial for accurate diagnosis and potential therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the relative frequency of neuroendocrine differentiation in basal cell carcinoma.
- To evaluate the expression patterns of neuroendocrine markers in BCC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 33 consecutive basal cell carcinoma (BCC) cases.
- Immunohistochemistry was performed using Chromogranin A and Synaptophysin antibodies.
- Analysis included assessment of staining intensity and cellular localization.
Main Results:
- Chromogranin A was positive in 72.2% (24/33) of BCCs, with varying staining intensity.
- Synaptophysin was positive in 9.09% (3/33) of BCCs.
- Neuroendocrine marker expression was primarily observed in the periphery of the tumors.
Conclusions:
- Neuroendocrine differentiation is a frequent finding in basal cell carcinoma (BCC).
- Chromogranin A is a more sensitive marker for neuroendocrine differentiation in BCC than Synaptophysin.
- These findings contribute to understanding the heterogeneity of BCC and its potential for divergent differentiation.
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