Histological repon of basal cell carcinoma

Abstract

In Colombia, the histopathological studies of the basal cell carcinoma are reported without reference to its microscopic characteristics. Herein, recommendations are presented for a more effective histophatological report of this tumor. Reference must be made to the important microscopic patterns as well as to features of dispersion, dissemination and perineural invasion all important for the prognosis and management of the patient. For prognosis, the most important histological patterns are nodular, superficial, micronodular, trabecular, morpheaform and fibroepithelial. Micronodular, trabecular and morpheaform basal cell carcinomas are those with the highest subclinical extension and are the most deeply infiltrating tumors, able to present perineural invasion and recurrence. They have a diffuse pattern of growth. Basosquamous cell carcinoma is rare and has the potential to metastasize. The histopathological report of basal cell carcinoma should include the description of its histological patterns, its growth type, if it is diffuse or circunscript, and the presence of perineural invasion. It should inform on its extent and location, the level of dermal invasion and whether it penetrates into the adipose or skeletal muscle tissue. With these data, the dermatologist can make a better prognosis and choose the best treatment for each patient.