Vulvar Basal Cell Carcinoma: Four Case Reports With Immunohistochemical Study
Mª Reyes García-de-la-Fuente1,2, Maria Santacana2,3, Felip Vilardell3
11 Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, Lleida, Spain.
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery
|June 2, 2017
Summary
Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), the most common human tumors, were found in unusual non-hairy vulvar locations. This suggests a potential glandular origin for these vulvar skin cancers.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are the most common human malignancy, typically arising in sun-exposed skin from follicular stem cells.
- BCCs are rare in non-hairy anatomical sites, as follicular structures are absent.
Observation:
- This study reports four cases of vulvar basal cell carcinoma.
- Three of these cases occurred in non-photoexposed, non-hairy vulvar semimucous areas.
- Immunohistochemical analysis revealed positive staining for CK7 and CK19 in all cases, markers associated with simple epithelium and glandular differentiation.
Findings:
- The presence of BCCs in non-hairy, non-sun-exposed vulvar regions challenges the traditional follicular stem cell origin theory.
- CK7 and CK19 expression suggests a possible origin from glandular structures within the vulva, such as sebaceous or apocrine units.
Implications:
- These findings propose a novel hypothesis for the origin of certain BCCs, particularly in unique anatomical locations like the vulva.
- Understanding the glandular origin of vulvar BCCs may impact diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies for this specific patient population.
