New Transplantable Hamster Tumor: A Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin

Abstract

A papillomatous squamous cell carcinoma of hamster skin was transplanted and is.now in its 67th generation. After a latency of 10–13 days, it took, became necrotic early, and ulcerated. An evolution was detected histologically: The basal epithelium and basel membrane disappeared graduallYi the pattern changed to that of cell nests and diffuse types, some with many cavities, predominantly vessels. Thetumorcells were spinous only, with average cell and nucleus diameters of about 25 and 11 µ, respectively, and with perfectly visible tonofibrils and intercellular bridges. Keratin was evident in layers, cell groups, and large dyskeratotic cells with keratohyalin granules. Succinic-dehydrogenase and sulfhydryl activities were observed around the nuclei of the living, nonkeratinized cells. Stromal fibers and cells were scarce, but vessels were numerous.