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Immunohistochemical characterization of pleomorphic giant cells in basal cell carcinoma
Author(s) -
Cutlan Robert T.,
Maluf Horacio M.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
journal of cutaneous pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.597
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1600-0560
pISSN - 0303-6987
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0560.1999.tb01856.x
Subject(s) - giant cell , proliferating cell nuclear antigen , biology , pathology , multinucleate , antigen , population , mitosis , immunohistochemistry , giant cell tumors , immunology , microbiology and biotechnology , medicine , environmental health
Over 20 cases of basal cell carcinomas with pleomorphic giant cells of the mononuclear or multinucleate type have been described. The nature of these cellular and nuclear changes has not been elucidated. Some authors found that these cells have phagocytic properties and others reported an aneuploid DNA content. We have seen milolic figures in some of these giant cells, and postulate that these cells are Capable of proliferation. Twelve cases of basal cell carcinoma with plenninrphic giant cells were examined using monoclonal antibodies recognizing the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Ki‐67, and bcl‐2 antigens. Expression of proliferation associated antigens in the giant cell population was higher than in the small cell population. Over expression of bcl‐2 was detected in both the small and giant cells in all cases. The results demonstrate that the giant tumor cells are cycling and express bcl‐2 protein in a manner consistent with basal cell carcinoma. The changes are unlikely to represent a senescent change as seen occasionally tn mesenchymal neoplasms.