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Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma pathology

Author: Assoc Prof Patrick Emanuel, Dermatopathologist, Auckland, New Zealand. January 2015.


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Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the skin (LELCS) is a very rare primary skin neoplasm that typically occurs on the sun-exposed skin of the head and neck in elderly individuals. The histogenesis of LELCS remains controversial as to whether it has adnexal origin or represents an inflamed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Histology of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma

In lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma, sections show atypical epithelioid cells forming well-defined nests surrounded by dense lymphocytic inflammation. High-power view shows a poorly differentiated carcinoma with lymphocytic infiltration (figures 1-3). Perineural, lymphovascular and subcutaneous invasion is common.

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma pathology

Special studies for lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma

Immunohistochemical studies in lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma reveal keratin positivity in the epithelioid cells. Markers to rule out lymphoid (LCA), melanocytic (S100), and neuroendocrine (CD56, synaptophysin, chromogranin) may be needed. Epstein–Barr virus-encoded small RNA (EBER) in situ hybridisation for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection may be useful to rule out metastasis from a nasopharyngeal lymphoepithelioma.

Differential diagnosis of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma

Inflamed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — There is debate whether lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma is just inflamed SCC. Overlying actinic dysplasia and clear squamous differentiation would favour SCC.

Lymphoepithelioma metastatic to the skin — “Lymphoepithelioma” is a primary tumour of the nasopharynx. Epstein-Barr virus is usually integrated in these nasopharyngeal tumours and this can be performed using in situ hybridisation.

 

References

  • Weedon's Skin Pathology (Third edition, 2010). David Weedon
  • Wang G. Lymphoepithelioma-like Carcinoma vs Inflamed Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin. JAMA Dermatol. 2014 Dec 1;150(12):1367–8. PubMed

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