Pigmented squamous cell carcinoma with dendritic melanocyte colonization in the external auditory canal

Pathol Int. 1999 Oct;49(10):909-12. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-1827.1999.00963.x.

Abstract

A case of pigmented squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with dendritic melanocyte colonization in the external auditory canal is reported and the previous cases are reviewed. A 65-year-old Japanese female was referred with a 7-year history of otitis. The patient also had a darkly pigmented 9 x 8 mm nodule in the external auditory canal. Microscopically, the tumor was SCC, but in some areas melanin pigments were found in the cytoplasm of the tumor cells. The tumor was thus diagnosed as pigmented SCC. As well as the tumor cells, dendritic-shaped cells colonized the tumor parenchyma and were immunohistochemically defined as melanocytes. The authors believe this is the first case of pigmented SCC with dendritic melanocyte colonization in the external auditory canal.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
  • Dendritic Cells / metabolism
  • Dendritic Cells / pathology*
  • Ear Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Ear Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Melanocytes / metabolism
  • Melanocytes / pathology*
  • Silver Staining

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor