Surface Microscopy of Pigmented Basal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

A PROPORTION of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) contain pigment. In the largest histological series the incidence ranges from 6.7% to 8.5% of BCCs, but a racial predilection probably exists.^1,2 Most of the BCCs' histological patterns can have pigmented varieties; however, morphoeic and infiltrative subtypes are uncommonly pigmented. Histologically, melanin can be found in the tumor mass and surrounding dermis. Within the tumor mass melanocytes are often hyperplastic and melanosomes are often confined to the melanocytes. However, they may be taken up by surrounding malignant epithelial cells.^3,4 Melanin is preferably seen in the superficial component of the tumor.¹ In dermis, melanin is found primarily in melanophages, but small amounts may be lying free. Finally, hyperplastic melanocytes may be found in the overlying epidermis.¹