Abstract
We investigated the number and morphology of Langerhans' cells in the epidermal component of squamous cell carcinomas located on the sun-exposed skin of 10 patients. Using adenosine triphosphatase-stained epidermis from the tumors, we compared the Langerhans' cells in squamous cell carcinoma with those in nontumorous skin specimens from the same patient. The nontumorous skin specimen was obtained from either sun-exposed perilesional or non-sun-exposed sites. In three patients a normal number and almost normal morphology of Langerhans' cells were observed within the epidermal component of the tumor. One patient showed a normal number but a profound alteration of the morphology of the cells. In the remaining six patients, a significant decrease in the number of Langerhans' cells was observed. Langerhans' cells within the epidermal component of the tumors of these patients exhibited morphologic alterations in that they were mainly round or oval rather than highly dendritic. In none of our patients was the number of Langerhans' cells in the tumor increased. We conclude that a decreased number and altered morphology of Langerhans' cells occur in some, but not all, squamous cell carcinomas of the skin, and that there is no apparent difference between the number of Langerhans' cells in sun-exposed vs unexposed skin from the same individual.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
