BCC subtype best predicts disease invasion depth

Hershey, Pa. - Identifying basal cell carcinoma (BCC) subtype on biopsy and excision specimens is the most accurate predictor of invasion depth, according to an April report in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Researchers with Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center studied histological specimens from 100 BCC biopsies. They noted anatomic site; histology subtype; maximum depth of extension; leading edge lobule contour; elastosis features and incidence of necrosis; and calcification and ulceration. Investigators also assessed correlation with invasion depth, HealthDay News reports.
Study investigators determined that depth was significantly correlated to subtype from biopsy and excision, but not with gender, anatomic site, contours of biopsy specimens, elastosis color, elastosis type, the presence of ulceration or calcification.

"Morphologic subtype has the highest correlation with depth and reporting should reflect the highest risk growth pattern if a biopsy specimen contains more than one pattern," the authors wrote.

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