Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue: A Report with Emphasis on Immunohistochemistry

Abstract

Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma (BScc) is a rare entity with its histopathological distinction from conventional squamous cell carcinoma. It is frequently considered a high-grade carcinoma with poor prognosis because of higher rate of distant metastases. Here by, we are reporting a case of 39-year-old male with an ulcer on the left lateral border of the tongue since a month. Histopathological examination of incisional biopsy revealed basaloid tumour cell islands accompanied by component of well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. To reconfirm this incidental finding immunohistochemistry was carried out for Proliferative Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) and pancytokeratin (AE1/AE3) which was positive to conclude diagnosis of BScc. Further p16 staining was done to rule out Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection.

Keywords

• distant metastasis
• human papilloma virus
• proliferative cell nuclear antigen