Lymphoepithelioma-type carcinoma pathology

Lymphoepithelioma type carcinoma skin (LELCS) is very rare primary skin neoplasm which occurs most frequently in the sunexposed skin of the head and neck in older people. LELCS histogenesis remains controversial as to whether it has attached origin or represents an inflamed scaly cell carcinoma (SCC).

Histology of carcinoma of the lymphoepithelioma type

In lymphoepithelioma-type carcinoma, sections show atypical epithelioid forming cells well defined nests surrounded by dense lymphocytic inflammation. High power view shows bad differentiated lymphocyte carcinoma infiltration (Figures 1-3). Perineural, lymphovascular and subcutaneous Invasion is common.

Special studies for lymphoepithelioma-type carcinoma

Immunohistochemical studies in lymphoepithelioma-type carcinoma reveal curb positivity in epithelioid cells. Bookmarks to discard lymphoid (LCA), melanocytic (S100), and neuroendocrine (CD56, synaptophysin, chromogranin) may be required. Epstein-Barr, encoded by the small virus RNA (EBER) in the place hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection can be useful to discard metastasis from a nasopharyngeal lymphoepithelioma

Differential diagnosis of carcinoma of the lymphoepithelioma type

Inflamed Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Whether lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma is just an inflamed SCC is debated. Overlying actinic dysplasia and of course flaky differentiation would favor SCC.

Lymphoepithelioma metastatic to the skin - "Lymphoepithelioma" is a primary tumor of the nasopharynx. EBV is generally integrated into these nasopharyngeal tumors and this can be done by in situ hybridization.