Related Experiment Videos
Basal cell carcinoma with hyaline inclusions
1Division of Tissue Pathology, Institute of Medical & Veterinary Science, Adelaide, South Australia.
Pathology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
This study describes a rare basal cell carcinoma variant in a 69-year-old man, featuring unique cytoplasmic inclusions. These findings suggest aberrant tumor cell keratinization, aiding in diagnosing this uncommon cutaneous carcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human cancer.
- Rare variants of BCC can present diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old male patient presented with a 4 mm basal cell carcinoma on the chin.
- Tumor cells contained numerous hyaline cytoplasmic inclusions.
- Inclusions stained positive for keratins and muscle-specific actin, but negative for EMA, vimentin, S100, and CEA.
Findings:
- Masson's trichrome staining showed inclusions were intensely red.
- Immunocytochemistry revealed prominent rim labeling for keratins and muscle-specific actin.
- Ultrastructural analysis indicated proteinaceous material within inclusions, surrounded by tonofilaments, suggesting aberrant tumor cell keratinization.
Implications:
- Familiarization with this rare BCC variant can prevent diagnostic errors.
- This knowledge is particularly useful in superficial tumor curettage diagnoses.
- Understanding aberrant keratinization aids in classifying rare cutaneous neoplasms.