Cutaneous lymphadenoma is distinct from basal cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background Cutaneous lymphadenoma is a recently recognized unusual tumor. It presents as an indistinct solitary non-ulcerating dermal nodule occuring mostly in the head and neck region of middle aged persons. Its histogenetic definition is controversial and recently it has been proposed that it might represent an unusual inflammatory basal cell carcinoma. We present elinieal, histological and immunohistochemistry data of two cases. For the first time lectin-immunohistochemistry of cutaneous lymphadenoma is reported on.Observations One tumor was located on the eyebrow of a 37 years old, the other on the nose of a 75 years old male patient. Slow growth over years occured. Histology showed biphasic pattern of elongated and angulated lobules with peripheral rim of basaloid cells and central network of lymphohistiocytic cells with preponderance of protein S l()0-positive cells. Peanut aggiutinin (PNA) did not show peripheral staining around tumor lobules as seen in basal cell carcinoma.Conclusions Clinical and histological features as well as absence of peanut aggiutinin staining argue in favor of the distinction of cutaneous lymphadenoma from inflammatory basal cell carcinoma. The former probably represents a benign growth of adnexal origin.