Skin Basal Cell Carcinosarcoma in a Trichoblastic Guise—Molecular Characterization of a Novel Entity Mimicking a Pyoderma Gangrenosum

Basal cell carcinosarcomas (BCCSs) are rare, aggressive biphasic epithelial–mesenchymal neoplasms typically occurring in elderly patients. Their nonspecific clinical presentation may mimic inflammatory disorders, necessitating histopathological examination. We characterize a novel cutaneous BCCS with prominent trichoblastic differentiation, clinically mimicking ulcerative pyoderma gangrenosum. Although morphologically resembling trichoblastic carcinosarcoma (TBCS), the tumor retained a BCC-associated genetic signature, supporting a basal cell rather than a primary trichoblastic lineage. We therefore propose the provisional designation “basal cell carcinosarcoma with divergent trichoblastic differentiation (BCCS-DTB)”, suggesting acquired follicular lineage plasticity within a Hedgehog-driven, UV-mutagenized BCC clone. Shared molecular alterations across epithelial and sarcomatous components support monoclonality and an inside-out epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) model, with progressive acquisition of trichoblastic and sarcomatous features. The patient’s young age, unusual tumor location, and development during the COVID-19 pandemic raise the hypothesis of additional environmental influences. Detection of associated spike protein and Snail expression is hypothesis-generating given their reported association with EMT. Further cases are required to validate the molecular profile for diagnostic and therapeutic relevance involving Hedgehog, FGFR2, and mTOR signaling.

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Publication Details

Journal
Dermatopathology
Published
2026-09-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/dermatopathology13030045
Primary Topic
Cancer and Skin Lesions
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Skin Basal Cell Carcinosarcoma in a Trichoblastic Guise—Molecular Characterization of a Novel Entity Mimicking a Pyoderma Gangrenosum

Bastian Dislich, Paul Georg, Ronald Wolf, R. Hunger et al.
Dermatopathology
Cancer and Skin Lesions
article

Skin Basal Cell Carcinosarcoma in a Trichoblastic Guise—Molecular Characterization of a Novel Entity Mimicking a Pyoderma Gangrenosum

Bastian Dislich, Paul Georg, Ronald Wolf, R. Hunger, Roland Blum
article en

Abstract

Basal cell carcinosarcomas (BCCSs) are rare, aggressive biphasic epithelial–mesenchymal neoplasms typically occurring in elderly patients. Their nonspecific clinical presentation may mimic inflammatory disorders, necessitating histopathological examination. We characterize a novel cutaneous BCCS with prominent trichoblastic differentiation, clinically mimicking ulcerative pyoderma gangrenosum. Although morphologically resembling trichoblastic carcinosarcoma (TBCS), the tumor retained a BCC-associated genetic signature, supporting a basal cell rather than a primary trichoblastic lineage. We therefore propose the provisional designation “basal cell carcinosarcoma with divergent trichoblastic differentiation (BCCS-DTB)”, suggesting acquired follicular lineage plasticity within a Hedgehog-driven, UV-mutagenized BCC clone. Shared molecular alterations across epithelial and sarcomatous components support monoclonality and an inside-out epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) model, with progressive acquisition of trichoblastic and sarcomatous features. The patient’s young age, unusual tumor location, and development during the COVID-19 pandemic raise the hypothesis of additional environmental influences. Detection of associated spike protein and Snail expression is hypothesis-generating given their reported association with EMT. Further cases are required to validate the molecular profile for diagnostic and therapeutic relevance involving Hedgehog, FGFR2, and mTOR signaling.

DermatopathologyVol. 13(3)
University of Bern (CH), University Hospital of Bern (CH)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 9%
Cancer and Skin Lesions
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Skin Basal Cell Carcinosarcoma in a Trichoblastic Guise—Molecular Characterization of a Novel Entity Mimicking a Pyoderma Gangrenosum — Bastian Dislich, Paul Georg, et al. · Dermatopathology (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS