Primary cutaneous cribriform carcinoma: report of six cases with clinicopathologic data and immunohistochemical profile.
BACKGROUND
Primary cutaneous cribriform carcinoma (PCCC) is a rare and under-recognized variant of sweat gland carcinoma, characterized by anastomosing tubules and solid nests producing a sieve-like appearance.


METHODS
Six cases of PCCC were clinically, histopathologically and immunophenotypically studied.


RESULTS
All cases showed an unencapsulated, nodular dermal tumor composed of solid and cribriform nests, cords and tubules embedded within a desmoplastic stroma. Some tubules showed micropapillary projections reminiscent of tubular adenoma, and intraluminal thin bridges resembling adenomatoid tumor. One case showed a predominantly solid component. Only two cases showed very focal decapitation secretion. Tumor cells expressed CK7, CK5/6, EMA, CEA, S-100, BerEP4 and c-kit and were negative for cytokeratin 20, estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (ER/PR), androgen receptor and GCDFP-15. Calponin, p63 and smooth muscle actin (SMA) showed absence of a myoepithelial layer.


CONCLUSIONS
Contrary to the original reports, our series shows that PCCC may be predominantly solid with only a minor cribriform component, and expresses c-kit and S-100 which may potentially lead to the misdiagnosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma. Immunohistochemical stains may aid in distinction from tubular adenoma. Current data suggest a favorable outcome, as metastatic disease has not been reported to date.
Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
David P
DP
Arps
Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.|Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
May P
MP
Chan
Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.|Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Rajiv M
RM
Patel
Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.|Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Aleodor A
AA
Andea
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D003528:Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D013544:Sweat Gland Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor
adenoid cystic carcinoma; adenomatoid; adnexal; cribriform; papillary eccrine adenoma; tubular adenoma