CD1a + Langerhans Cells in the Peritumoral Epidermis of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Background Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common malignant tumor and its incidence has risen in recent decades. Research has shown the relationship between ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the skin immune system, and BCC. The role of Langerhans cells (LC) in the immune response to tumors has prompted research into LC density and morphology in response to UV radiation and BCC. However, the data are inconsistent due to differences in research methodology. Objective To study the density and morphology of LCs in the peritumoral epidermis of BCC using immunohistochemistry and image processing software and compare the results with those from the epidermis overlying the tumor. Material and methods Twelve samples from patients with BCC were prepared with a CD1a stain. Areas of epidermis overlying and adjacent to the tumor were defined using light microscopy and the Image J image processing software. The LCs in each area were counted and the cell densities were calculated and compared. Morphological features of LCs were also evaluated in each epidermal area. Results The results showed a lower density of LCs in the epidermis overlying the tumor than in the peritumoral epidermis (P < 0.05). There were also differences in the size, shape, and dendritic pattern of the LCs between the epidermal areas. Conclusions The lower density and fewer morphological changes of LCs in the epidermis overlying BCC may give rise to alterations in the immune response to BCC. Digital image analysis is a reliable method for the morphometric evaluation of LCs.