Mast cells and histopathologic variants of basal cell carcinoma

Background and aim: The stroma of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is rich in mast cells. Morpheaform BCC has been reported to contain much more mast cells than the other types of BCC, but their significance remains unknown. In this study we investigated the significance of mast cells related to BCC and possible relationship between increased number of mast cells and clinical and histological parameters including the patient's age, sex, subtype of BCC and severity of peritumoral inflammation.Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 50 BCC specimens either biopsied or excised were examined histologically. H & E stained slides were examined under light microscopy and the severity of inflammation was assessed subjectively and graded as mild, moderate or severe. Then biopsy specimens were stained with Giesma to identify mast cells. Clinical data including sex and age were obtained form patients records. Finally the data were analysed by t test, Mann-Whitney and ANOVA by SPSS software and pConclusion: Our results support previous reports indicating that mast cells may have a contributory role in defining the subtype of BCC and degree of its aggressiveness. It seems that mast cells have a preventive role against aggression of BCC, as we found more mast cells in superficial BCC than deep ones.