Basal cell carcinoma--signet ring type. Ultrastructural study.

Area of Science:

• Dermatopathology
• Oncology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of human cancer.
• Typical BCC exhibits nests of basaloid cells with peripheral palisading.
• Unusual differentiation patterns can occur in BCC.

Observation:

• Light microscopy revealed BCC with atypical keratinizing cells.
• These cells resembled signet ring cells and contained eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions.
• Ultrastructural examination provided further detail on cellular morphology.

Findings:

• The cytoplasmic inclusions were identified as filamentous masses.
• These masses were surrounded by abundant tonofilaments.
• This represents a unique form of abnormal individual tumor cell keratinization.

Implications:

• This finding expands the spectrum of histopathological presentations of basal cell carcinoma.
• Recognizing this variant is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
• Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms driving this abnormal keratinization.