Bcl-2 and CD10 expression in the differential diagnosis of trichoblastoma, basal cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma with follicular differentiation.
BACKGROUND
Both trichoblastoma and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin are characterized morphologically by the proliferation of basaloid cells; however, BCCs are clinically associated with a more aggressive behavior. An accurate diagnosis of these lesions is essential for effective, timely treatment and appropriate therapeutic decisions.


METHODS
This study includes 40 lesions. Bcl-2 and CD10 immunohistochemistry were performed in all cases and the patterns of expression were analyzed.


RESULTS
Bcl-2 is useful for the detection of BCC with diffuse expression in nests of basaloid cells, but cannot distinguish between BCC with follicular differentiation and trichoblastoma, as both lesions show the same pattern with positive and negative areas. Conversely, CD10 expression can distinguish between trichoblastomas with peritumoral stromal staining and BCCs with epithelial staining. If both stromal and epithelial areas are stained, these cases are classified as BCC with follicular differentiation.


CONCLUSIONS
CD10 is useful for distinguishing between BCC with widespread follicular differentiation and trichoblastomas.
Córdoba
Alicia
A
Department of Pathology, Hospital of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. acordobi@cfnavarra.es
Guerrero
David
D
Larrinaga
Begoña
B
Iglesias
Maria Eugenia
ME
Arrechea
Maria Asunción
MA
Yanguas
Juan Ignacio
JI
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism*; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002455:Cell Division; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D015260:Neprilysin / Q000378:metabolism*; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; D015260:Neprilysin