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Transition between solar keratosis and basal cell carcinoma
A Shai1, S Halevy, M H Grunwald
1Department of Dermatology Soroka Medical Center, PO Box 151, Beer-Sheva 84101, Israel.
European Journal of Dermatology : EJD
|January 28, 1999
Summary
The study found a continuous transition between solar keratosis (SK) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in over a third of cases. This suggests pluripotent stem cells may differentiate into both SK and BCC.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Oncology
Background:
- The transition from solar keratosis (SK) to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is well-documented.
- The relationship between SK and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is less frequently discussed in dermatopathological literature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of the relationship between SK and BCC.
- To identify the prevalence of a gradual and continuous transition between SK and BCC.
Main Methods:
- Retrieved and reviewed 40 dermatopathology slides from the head and neck region diagnosed with both SK and BCC.
- Re-examined an additional 73 slides diagnosed with BCC of the head and neck.
- Sought atypia of the spinous layer as an initial marker for SK development.
Main Results:
- A gradual and continuous transition between SK and BCC was observed in 15 (37.5%) of the initial 40 slides.
- Spinous layer atypia, indicative of SK, was found in 26 (35.6%) of the additional 73 BCC slides.
- A gradual and continuous transition between atypical spinous cells and BCC was present in 7 (9.6%) of these cases.
Conclusions:
- A gradual and continuous transition between SK and BCC is a notable phenomenon.
- This transition can be explained by the presence of pluripotent stem cells in the epidermis.
- Malignant transformation of these stem cells may lead to differentiation into both SK and BCC.