Basal cell carcinoma of the umbilicus associated with sweat gland structures: Two case reports

Abstract

Rationale: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) arising in the umbilicus is relatively rare, and in particular, there have been few reports mentioning peritumoral sweat gland structures histopathologically. We herein, report 2 cases of umbilical BCC with sweat gland structures within and around the tumor.Patient concerns: A 61-year-old woman had a 2-year history of black exudative plaque in her umbilicus, and an 80-year-old woman had a 6-month history of dark brownish plaque in the umbilicus, with exudation 2 months prior to her first visit.Diagnoses: Based on the histopathological finding, both cases were confirmed as BCC. The results of immunohistochemical staining showed that the tumor cells were Ber-EP4 positive. In addition, EMA-positive glandular structures were seen within and around the tumor.Interventions: Curative resection at the level of the linea alba on the bottom side was performed.Outcomes: No relapse has been observed since resection in either patient.Lessons: We herein report 2 cases of umbilical BCC with sweat glands and ducts. Although whether peri-and/or intra-tumor sweat gland structures are the source of the tumor or arise by transdifferentiation from tumor cells remains unclear, these findings may provide clues to help understand the morphopathogenesis of umbilical BCC in the future.Abbreviations: BCC = basal cell carcinoma, FEP = fibroepithelioma of Pinkus.

Dermoscopy of Umbilical Lesions—A Systematic Review

“…In another umbilical case of BCC reported by Takada et al [ 12 ], dermoscopy showed large blue-grey ovoid nests. Two additional cases were provided by Yukiho et al [ 13 ], both of which manifested with large blue-grey ovoid nests in dermoscopy. Moreover, blue-grey globules and arborizing vessels were also identified in this small series of two cases.…”

“…The following supporting information can be downloaded at: , Table S1: Joanna Briggs Institute Appraisal tool questions; Table S2: Risk of bias assessment; Table S3: Overview of the characteristics of included studies. References [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ] are cited in the Supplementary Materials.…”