Problemic issues in Molecular Characterization, Risk of Progression and Recurrence of Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Skin

Abstract

Non-melanoma skin tumors are a fairly common. Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is characterized by particularly high malignancy, which is due to a high ability to metastasize. However, it has also been shown that patients with basal cell carcinoma of the skin have an increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma. The molecular phenotype of these tumors, as well as markers of progression, are not well studied. There is also no clear opinion about the origin of these tumors, although it is assumed that both of them have a common progenitor cell, namely, basal cells of the skin appendages of basal cell carcinoma, and basal cells of the epidermis of squamous cell carcinoma. In the current literature, there are only sparse and conflicting data on molecular markers of non-melanoma skin tumors and the risk of their progression. In addition, the correlation between dermoscopic data and histopathological characteristics of nonmelanocytic skin tumors has not been studied. The molecular characteristics of non-melanoma skin tumors, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin need to be studied in detail, in particular the risk markers of progression and recurrence of these tumors. Correlation between dermoscopic and histopathological data can also reveal valuable information. Therefore, it is important to study the phenotypic characteristics of basal cells and use their molecular characteristics to assess the risk of recurrence and progression of the mentioned diseases.