Immunohistochemical and cytogenetic characterization of acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma of the breast

Abstract

Primary acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) of the breast is a rare and aggressive variant of invasive breast cancer. Here we report two new cases of ASCC and their immunohistochemical and cytogenetic characterization. One case was associated with systemic metastases and death and the other with local failure prior to loss of follow-up. Using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), both tumors showed a high overall number of chromosomal imbalances with a similar pattern of gains and losses. Genetic aberrations common to both tumors included losses at 3p11-p25, 5q21-q31, 8p, 9, 13p13-q21, 16q12-q21, and 17p and gains at 1q31-qter, 7p, 18q12-qter, 19q, and 20. Immunohistochemically, the tumors were characterized by high proliferative activity, an uncommon cytokeratin expression profile, reduced E-cadherin staining, and overexpression of p53 and epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR). The results of our analyses suggest that genetic alterations observed in ASCC of the breast include imbalances commonly observed in both mammary adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of other locations. Furthermore, the overexpressed EGFR could be a possible therapeutic target for individual cases of this aggressive tumor type.

Acantholytic Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Upper Aerodigestive Tract: Histopathology, Immunohistochemical Profile and Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Phenotype Change

“…Mucosal ASCC is rare but has been reported in multiple locations in the aerodigestive tract particularly the oral cavity including the buccal mucosa, tongue, gingiva, floor of mouth and larynx [6,14,15]. Rare cases of ASCC in the cecal mucosa [16] and breast parenchyma [8,17] have also been reported. Although mucosal ASCC is well defined and well recognized, most studies were based on sporadic case reports and information concerning the immunohistochemical profile is limited.…”

Primary acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma of the cecum: a case report

“…In ASCC of the skin and breast different molecular alterations have been associated with loss of cellular adhesion, including loss of E-cadherin or syndecan-1 [12,13]. In our case tumor cell showed loss of E-cadherin and beta-catenin while syndecan-1 expression was reduced and confined on small group of detached malignant cell.…”

“…The most common site of ASCC is the sun-exposed areas of the skin, particularly on the head and neck of elderly men [6]. Sporadic cases of ASCC have also been reported in various mucosal membranes and organs [8-12] but to our knowledge this is the first case of primary ASCC of the large bowel.…”

Pseudoangiosarcomatous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung

“…23 Molecular 18,19,21 Genetic aberrations include losses at 3p11-p25, 5q21-q31, 8p, 9, 13p13-q21, 16q12-q21 and 17p, and gains at 1q31-qter, 7p, 18q12-qter, 19q and 20 in acantholythic squamous cell carcinoma of the breast. 26 One case of vulvar acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma expressed p16 protein, suggesting that this neoplasm could be related to human papillomavirus infection. 27 The prognosis for PSCC tumours is extremely poor.…”