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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.
Abstract:
Primary cutaneous SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated malignant neoplasm (SD-UMN) is a rare and recently described entity characterized by the loss of expression of the SMARCA4 (BRG1) protein, which is involved in chromatin remodeling. SD-UMN presents a diagnostic challenge due to its rarity and unique histopathological and immunohistochemical features. In this report, we present a case of primary cutaneous SD-UMN in a 67-year-old man who presented with a rapidly growing, ulcerated, and bleeding nodule on his right cheek. Histopathological examination revealed a highly cellular dermal tumor consisting of pleomorphic epithelioid cells with prominent mitotic figures and necrosis, lacking any morphological evidence of differentiation. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a complete loss of SMARCA4 and SMARCA2 expression, while INI-1 expression remained intact. p53 was diffusely expressed, and p16 was completely absent. In addition, a range of markers, including high-molecular-weight cytokeratin, p63, SOX10, INSM1, MCPyV, NKX2.2, CD99, CDX2, CD56, ERG, NUT, desmin, androgen receptor, chromogranin, CD34, and CD43 were all negative. To date, only two cases of primary cutaneous SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumors have been reported in the literature. Therefore, this case report adds to the limited body of knowledge on the clinical and histopathological features of this novel entity. The report highlights the importance of considering SD-UMN in the differential diagnosis of undifferentiated cutaneous tumors.
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.
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