Abstract
Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in the white population. Nonsurgical treatments are first-line alternatives in superficial BCC (sBCC); therefore, differentiating between sBCC and non-sBCC is of major relevance for the clinician. Scraping cytology possesses several advantages, such as an earlier diagnosis and scarring absence, in comparison to a biopsy. Nevertheless, previous studies reported difficulties in differentiating the different BCC subtypes. The objective of this study was to determine the capability and accuracy of scraping cytology to differentiate between sBCC and non-sBCC. Methods: In this retrospective study, cytological samples of histologically confirmed BCC were examined. Select cytological features were correlated to BCC subtypes (sBCC or non-sBCC). Results: A total of 84 BCC samples were included (29 sBCC; 55 non-sBCC). An inverse correlation between the diagnosis of sBCC and the presence of mucin, dehiscence, and grade of atypia in the basal cells was observed. The presence of medium and large basal cell clusters correlated directly to a sBCC diagnosis. The presence of clear cells is strongly associated with sBCC. Therefore, Conclusion: Scraping cytology is reliable in differentiating sBCC from other BCC subtypes.
Highlights
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in the white population [1]
There is no global consensus on the classification of BCC subtypes, one of the most accepted divides them in a nodulocystic, adenoid, micronodular, infiltrative, morpheaform, keratotic, metatypical, pigmented, superficial, and ulcerative BCC
A total of 84 BCCs were included in the study from 45 patients (38 men, 84.4%, and 7 women, 15.6%)
Summary
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in the white population [1]. Nonsurgical treatments are considered first-line treatments for superficial BCC (sBCC), whereas surgical alternatives are usually the first choice for other subtypes [4]. BCC subtyping—or, at least, differentiating sBCC from non-superficial BCC (nsBCC)—is crucial for the clinician in order to choose surgical or nonsurgical treatments. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in the white population. Nonsurgical treatments are first-line alternatives in superficial BCC (sBCC); differentiating between sBCC and non-sBCC is of major relevance for the clinician. Select cytological features were correlated to BCC subtypes (sBCC or non-sBCC). Conclusion: Scraping cytology is reliable in differentiating sBCC from other BCC subtypes
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