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Granular cell basal cell carcinoma. Light microscopy, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study
M D García Prats1, M López Carreira, M A Martínez-González
1Departamento de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.
Virchows Archiv. A, Pathological Anatomy and Histopathology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Granular cell basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a rare BCC variant. This case confirms its epithelial origin, characterized by granular cytoplasm and specific cellular structures.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human cancer.
- Granular cell basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is an exceptionally rare histological subtype.
- Understanding rare BCC variants aids in comprehensive dermatological diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 67-year-old male presented with nasal BCC.
- Light microscopy revealed a nodular BCC with predominantly granular eosinophilic cytoplasm.
- Ultrastructural analysis showed lysosome-like granules and well-formed desmosomes within tumor cells.
Findings:
- The tumor exhibited characteristics of nodular BCC.
- Tumor cells contained abundant lysosome-like granules and pentalaminate desmosomes.
- Immunohistochemistry (keratins C 5.2, AE 1, Leu-M1) and ultrastructural features supported an epithelial origin for the granular cells.
Implications:
- This case contributes to the limited literature on granular cell BCC.
- Findings support the theory of epithelial origin for the granular cells in this BCC variant.
- Further research into rare BCC subtypes can refine diagnostic criteria and understanding of tumor biology.