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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
06:53
Cell Population Analyses During Skin Carcinogenesis
Published on: August 21, 2013
Calcifying basal cell carcinomas
J S Walsh1, C Perniciaro, H W Randle
1Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida 32224, USA.
Summary
Dystrophic calcification is more common in basal cell carcinomas (21%) than squamous cell carcinomas (3%). This finding may indicate a marker for follicular differentiation in skin cancers.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Dystrophic calcification involves calcium deposition in injured tissues.
- Little is understood about dystrophic calcification in malignant skin tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and pattern of dystrophic calcification in basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs).
Main Methods:
- Reviewed 200 consecutive cases of BCC and SCC for dystrophic calcification.
- Noted histologic subtype, calcification location, and tumor site.
Main Results:
- Dystrophic calcification was found in 41% of BCCs versus 6% of SCCs.
- Calcifying BCCs were associated with more aggressive histologic subtypes and trunk location.
Conclusions:
- Skin calcium binding protein may explain the calcification frequency difference between BCCs and SCCs.
- Calcification in keratin-filled cysts suggests a potential marker for follicular differentiation in skin tumors.
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