Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Pronunciation: BAY-sah-loid SKWAY-mus sel KAR-sih-NOH-mah
Also written as: BSCC — Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma
A high-grade variant of oral squamous cell carcinoma characterised by nests of basaloid cells with comedo-type necrosis and focal squamous differentiation.
Full Definition
Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is an aggressive variant of squamous cell carcinoma that predominantly affects the base of the tongue, hypopharynx, and supraglottic larynx, with occasional oral cavity involvement. It is characterised by lobules or nests of small basaloid cells with scant cytoplasm, hyperchromatic nuclei, frequent mitoses, comedo-type necrosis, and foci of squamous differentiation or dyskeratosis. BSCC must be distinguished from adenoid cystic carcinoma and small cell carcinoma, as it carries a worse prognosis than conventional squamous cell carcinoma but responds differently than the neuroendocrine tumours it may resemble. Editors must not abbreviate to SCC without the 'basaloid' qualifier, as this alters the clinical significance.
Usage
Usage note: Never shorten to 'SCC'; the 'basaloid' qualifier is diagnostically and prognostically essential.
In Context
- "The diagnosis of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma was supported by p63 and p40 immunopositivity with focal squamous pearl formation." — Histopathology report
- "The editor was instructed not to truncate 'basaloid squamous cell carcinoma' to 'squamous cell carcinoma', as the variant designation carries distinct prognostic weight." — Author instruction sheet