[Immunophenotyping and morphometry of inflammatory infiltrates in variants of basalioma]

The inflammatory infiltrate of 5 histologically different types of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (n = 22) was characterized by means of the alkaline phosphatase monoclonal antialkaline phosphatase technique (APAAP). We proved a distinct stromal pattern of infiltration, which was focally accentuated; in some cases, the cells infiltrated the tumor itself. On phenotyping these cells, we found clear predominance of T cells (75%), which mostly consisted of T helper/inducer cells (45%) and suppressor/cytotoxic cells (32%); in addition, we found B cells (6%) as well as monocytes and macrophages (15%). Morphea-like and adenoid types of BCC showed some tendency to a less pronounced infiltration. Chronic exposure to sunlight and ulceration did not significantly influence the quality or quantity of the inflammatory infiltrate--except for polymorphonuclear leucocytes and macrophages.