A Case of Multiple Atypical Nevi With Co-Localized Basal Cell Carcinomas on the Scalp: Insight into the Pathogenesis

May 2015 | Volume 14 | Issue 5 | Case Reports | 502 | Copyright © May 2015


Lixia Z. Ellis MD PhD,a Joel L. Cohen MD,a,b Whitney High MD JD MEng,a,c and Theresa A. Scholz MDd

aDepartment of Dermatology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
bAboutSkin Dermatology and DermSurgery, Englewood, CO
cSection of Dermatopathology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
dAccent Dermatology and Laser Institute, Golden, CO

Abstract
The authors report a case of a 29-year-old female with multiple lesions on the scalp containing an atypical nevus and a co-localized basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in the same specimen. This is the first description of such a case in the literature. The peculiar co-existence of these 2 neoplasms in the same specimen in multiple skin lesions raises the possibility of an unknown mutation(s) that increases the risk of developing both conditions; and this case illustrates that the signaling pathways mediating the development of atypical nevi may interact with those associated with BCCs. Additionally, crosstalk between melanocytes and basal keratinocytes, which are both located in the basal layer of the epidermis, may contribute to the development of these coexisting neoplasms.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2015;14(5):502-505.

INTRODUCTION

Both atypical nevi and basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are common skin neoplasms occurring more frequently in fair-skinned individuals and associated with increased sun exposure. Atypical nevi represent a significant marker for increased risk of melanoma. Genetic diseases such as dysplastic nevus syndrome, also known as familial atypical multiple mole and melanoma syndrome (FAMMM syndrome), and nevoid BCC syndrome have advanced our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of atypical nevi and BCCs. It has traditionally been thought that distinct cellular signaling pathways mediate these 2 skin neoplasms arising from different cell origins. However, recent evidence points to significant crosstalk between the signaling pathways mediating the development of dysplastic nevi and melanomas, along with those thought to increase the risk of BCCs.1-4 This view is supported by our case report of a young female with multiple lesions showing atypical nevi and BCCs in the same specimens on her scalp.

CASE REPORT

A 29-year-old female presented to a dermatologist for a “skin check” upon referral by her primary care physician. She grew up in California and moved to Colorado in her teens. She denied “more-than-usual amount of sun exposures” when she grew up, but did swim and play softball frequently. She had a few sunburns on the cheeks and nose, but no blistering sunburns. She used a tanning bed once. She denied significant sun exposure at work. She always had long hair, but did think her hair was “fine and thin”. She had a history of a mildly atypical nevus biopsied from her leg over 10 years prior, and had no personal history of melanomas or non-melanoma skin cancers. She underwent bilateral oophorectomy for borderline ovarian serous cystadenomas of the ovaries at age 24. In addition, she was born blind in her left eye, and had a history of diverticulitis, genital lichen sclerosus et atrophicus, and multiple skin tags. She had no history of jaw cysts, bifid ribs, calcification of the falx cerebri, hypohidrosis, hypotricosis, or arsenic exposure. Her pertinent family history was significant for ocular melanoma and leiomyosarcoma in her mother, mesothelioma in a maternal uncle and paternal grandfather (both thought to be related to asbestos exposure), and Down syndrome in her sister and a paternal first cousin.
On examination, the patient had multiple irregular appearing nevi on the scalp. Scattered regular appearing nevi were
Close Menu