Primary cutaneous SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated malignant neoplasm: A rare case report and literature review

Emrah Gumusgoz1, Bradley S Graham2, Gregory A Hosler1,3

  • 1Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.

PubMed

Insights

This report details a rare primary cutaneous SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated malignant neoplasm (SD-UMN) in a 67-year-old man. The case highlights diagnostic challenges and adds to the limited knowledge of this novel skin cancer entity.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatopathology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Primary cutaneous SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated malignant neoplasm (SD-UMN) is a rare entity.
  • It is characterized by the loss of SMARCA4 (BRG1) protein expression, crucial for chromatin remodeling.
  • SD-UMN poses diagnostic challenges due to its rarity and unique features.

Approach:

  • Presents a case of primary cutaneous SD-UMN in a 67-year-old male with a rapidly growing cheek nodule.
  • Utilizes histopathological examination to identify a highly cellular dermal tumor with pleomorphic epithelioid cells, mitotic figures, and necrosis.
  • Employs immunohistochemical analysis to confirm loss of SMARCA4 and SMARCA2, intact INI-1, diffuse p53, and absent p16, alongside negative results for various differentiation markers.

Key Points:

  • The case involved a rapidly growing, ulcerated, and bleeding nodule on the right cheek.
  • Histopathology revealed a pleomorphic epithelioid cell tumor lacking differentiation.
  • Immunohistochemistry confirmed loss of SMARCA4/SMARCA2, intact INI-1, diffuse p53, and absent p16.

Conclusions:

  • This case report contributes to the limited understanding of primary cutaneous SD-UMN.
  • It underscores the importance of considering SD-UMN in the differential diagnosis of undifferentiated cutaneous tumors.
  • Further research is needed to fully characterize this rare neoplasm.