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Basal cell carcinoma with hyaline inclusions

A A Sahin1, J Y Ro, D J Grignon

  • 1Department of Pathology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030.

Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|September 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

This study describes an unusual basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in a 67-year-old woman, featuring unique cytoplasmic inclusions. These inclusions, identified as filament aggregates, present diagnostic challenges for pathologists.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatopathology
  • Surgical Pathology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer.
  • BCC typically presents with characteristic histopathological features.
  • Unusual variants of BCC can pose diagnostic challenges.

Observation:

  • A 67-year-old female patient presented with a basal cell carcinoma on the forehead.
  • The BCC exhibited numerous hyaline cytoplasmic inclusions within the tumor cells.
  • These inclusions were investigated using electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry.

Findings:

  • Electron microscopy revealed the inclusions to be aggregates of cytoplasmic filaments.
  • Immunohistochemical analysis showed reactivity for keratin, vimentin, and smooth-muscle myosin within these inclusions.
  • The presence of these specific proteins suggests a complex cellular origin or differentiation within the tumor.

Implications:

  • This unusual presentation of basal cell carcinoma requires awareness among pathologists.
  • Recognition of these hyaline cytoplasmic inclusions is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis.
  • Understanding the composition of these inclusions may offer insights into BCC pathogenesis.

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