Pleomorphic basal cell carcinoma: report of an uncommon histological variant

A 42-year-old male with a medical history of XP consulted for a nodular, pigmented tumor of the temporal region measuring 5cm in its greatest dimension. Carcinologic surgical removal of the tumor was performed. At histopathologic examination, it was composed of nodular aggregates of atypical basaloid cells with peripheral palisading and stromal retraction. In addition, distributed throughout the tumor nests, there were numerous giant cells [Fig. 1]. These cells had an ill defined abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and multiple large, irregular, hyperchromatic nuclei. Numerous abnormal mitotic figures were also observed [Fig. 2]. The overall histologic features were highly suggestive of pleomorphic BCC. The patient was regularly followed in the dermatology department with no recurrence after an eight month follow-up.