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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
08:49
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Melanoma Colonizing Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Rarely Described Entity
Ferhat Özden1, İbrahim Serdar Coşkun2, İhsan Kasapgil3
1Department of Pathology, International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey.
The American Journal of Dermatopathology
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Collision tumors of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and melanoma are rare. Accurate diagnosis requires detailed histopathology and immunohistochemistry, as melanoma dictates prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Collision tumors combining basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and melanoma are exceptionally rare.
- Distinguishing these tumors from melanoma colonization presents diagnostic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of a rare BCC-melanoma collision/colonization tumor.
- To highlight the diagnostic complexities and prognostic implications.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological examination of a lower lip lesion.
- Immunohistochemical analysis to confirm biphasic nature (melanocytic and epithelial components).
- Assessment of melanoma Breslow thickness, ulceration, and invasion.
Main Results:
- A 68-year-old man presented with an ulcerated lesion initially suspected as BCC.
- Histopathology revealed BCC with melanoma colonization (7.5 mm Breslow thickness, ulceration, perineural invasion).
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed distinct melanocytic (S100+, Melan-A+, SOX10+, PRAME+, p16-) and epithelial (p40+, Bcl-2+) components.
Conclusions:
- This case underscores the diagnostic difficulty of BCC-melanoma collision/colonization tumors.
- Prognosis is primarily determined by the melanoma component.
- Meticulous histopathologic evaluation and immunohistochemistry are crucial for patient management.
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