A Case of Basal Cell Carcinoma with a Unique Pattern of Plasma Cell Infiltration

Choi, Won; Hahn, Hyung Jin; Myung, Ki Bum; Cheong, Seung Hyun

Abstract

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant skin tumor that usually develops in the head and neck region. It has a wide range of histological variants and constitutes approximately 65% of epithelial tumors. Cutaneous plasma cell infiltration can occur in individuals with various disorders, including amyloidosis, plasma cell neoplasm, and infectious diseases such as syphilis and deep fungal infections. A 53-year-old woman presented with scaly erythematous plaque on the left cheek. Skin biopsy showed smooth-bordered collections of basaloid proliferation with epidermal connection, and fibrotic stromas were noted in the dermis. Notably, mixed inflammatory cells were noted in the upper dermis, and they were mainly plasma cells. There was no evidence of other organ involvement and infection. She was diagnosed with BCC with plasma cell infiltration and was treated with topical and oral steroid, and excision was performed. In our literature review, plasma cell infiltration is related to tumor ulceration and more likely to be seen in patients with high-risk BCCs. Herein, we report a peculiar case of BCC with plasma cell infiltration.