Basal Cell Carcinoma

If you are doing skin cancer work then you need to have some idea of the histology of the lesions you are biopsying. You need to know the terms used in dermatopathology reports to assess their significance. It is not enough to look at the diagnosis at the end. BCCs are managed on the nature of their histological pattern. There is a big difference in management options between a superficial multifocal BCC and an infiltrating or morphoeic BCC.

 BCCs- Pathology relates to the treatments used

Superficial bcc V Nodular bcc V Infiltrating or Morphoeic

Thickness - penetration of creams eg Aldara and red light in PDT

Significance of Infiltrating BCC with these modalities

Basisquamous BCC

BCC with perineural spread

BCC in vessels- very rare


See the following Virtual Slides

Superficial Multifocal BCC

Micronodular BCC

Cystic BCC

Nodular BCC

Infiltrating BCC

Morphoeic BCC

Desmoplastic BCC

Metatypical BCC

Infundibulocystic BCC