Basal cell carcinoma pathophysiology
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Shivali Marketkar, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
Basal cell carcinomas develop in the basal cell layer of the skin. Cumulative DNA damage caused by chronic sunlight exposure results in DNA mutations that predispose to the development of basal cell carcinoma. On gross pathology, basal cell carcinoma lesions may demonstrate pearly pink nodules with telangiectasias, rolled borders, and central crusting with or without an ulcerating lesion (rodent ulcer). On microscopic analysis, peripheral palisading nuclei are characteristic.
Pathophysiology
Genetics
- A number of aberrations involving the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway(SHH) are noted.
- The majority of mutations in sporadic BCCs and BCNS patients occur in PTCH1 gene, a protein that inhibits Smoothened gene.
Enviromental Exposure
- Basal cell carcinomas develop in the basal cell layer of the skin
- Cumulative DNA damage caused by chronic sunlight exposure results in DNA mutations that predispose to the development of basal cell carcinoma
- While DNA repair eliminates most UV-induced damage, not all cross-links are excised, which eventually results in mutations
- Apart from the mutagenesis, sunlight depresses the local immune system, possibly decreasing immune surveillance for new tumor cells
Gross Pathology
The image above depicts basal cell carcinoma in a 75 year old male. The following features are characteristic on gross pathology:
- Pearly pink nodules
- Telangiectasias
- Rolled borders
- Central crusting
- Ulcerating lesion (rodent ulcer)
Microscopic Pathology
Shown below is a classic micrograph of basal cell carcinoma(H&E stain).The following features are characteristic:
- Peripheral palisading nuclei
- Myxoid stroma
- Artefactual clefting
Shown below is the image of nodular variant of Basal cell carcinoma
Video
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