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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Cell Population Analyses During Skin Carcinogenesis
06:53

Cell Population Analyses During Skin Carcinogenesis

Published on: August 21, 2013

Basal cell carcinoma with hyaline inclusions

C L James1

  • 1Division of Tissue Pathology, Institute of Medical & Veterinary Science, Adelaide, South Australia.

Pathology
|January 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

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.

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