44. Basal cell carcinoma

Overview

Staining: HE

Organ: Skin

Description: The tumor forms nests of tumor cells in the dermis. The tumor cells on the periphery of the nests line up in a special way. This phenomenon is called palisading. Around the tumor nests small artefacts form. These retraction artefacts are due to the fixation and staining process of the sample, but it only occurs in basal cell carcinoma samples and is therefore characteristic for it.

Nests

The tumor cells show atypia. Mitotic figures are present.

Diagnosis: Basal cell carcinoma

Causes: Sun exposure

Theory:

Refraction artefacts

Basal cell carcinomas can contain melanin. The tumor may therefore be mistaken for melanoma. The blue ink on the bottom is probably used to mark the surgical margin.

Palisading

IMO the atypia isn’t really significant.