Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma C44.4

Swanson SA, 1988

Rare, largely undifferentiated variant of a spinocellular squamous cell carcinoma with a characteristic fine-tissue mixed cell (lymphoepithelial) structure.

Extracutaneous lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma is often associated with the Epstein-Barr virus. There is a relationship to type III nasopharyngeal carcinoma (old name = Schmincke tumor).

Occurrence mainly in older people 50-80 years

Preferably affected are light-exposed areas such as the head and neck.

The clinical picture shows an unspectacular skin-colored to slightly reddened solid node of 0.5-1.0 cm in size. Lymph node metastases are rare. Metastases in the liver, lungs or skeleton are equally rare. Uncharacteristic coincidental finding.

Mostly well delimitable dermal tumor consisting of plump epithelial strands, in places with ductal structures (CEA-positive), of irregular, in places light-cell epithelial cells mixed in and surrounded by dense infiltrates of mature lymphocytes (T cells) and plasma cells.

Metastasis of nasopharyngeal lymphoepithelial carcinoma; cutaneous lymphoma; basal cell carcinoma. Merkel cell carcinoma

1. Ko T et al (1997) Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the skin. J Dermatol 24: 104-109
2. Lind AC et al (1999) Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the skin with apparent origin in the epidermis--a pattern or an entity? A case report. Cancer 85: 884-890
3. Oliveira CC et al (2018) Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the skin. To Bras Dermatol 93:256-258.
4. Sagatys E et al (2003) Lymphoid lost and found. On J Dermatopathol 15: 159-161
5. Shek TW et al (1996) Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the skin. At J Dermatopathol 18: 637-644
6. Swanson SA et al (1988) Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the skin. Mod Catholic 1: 359-365