# Basaloid Cell Hyperplasia Overlying Dermatofibroma

## TL;DR

This study examines whether basaloid cell hyperplasia overlying dermatofibromas can be distinguished from basal cell carcinoma using histology and immunohistochemistry.

## Contribution

The study highlights the diagnostic challenge between BCH and superficial BCC and suggests the need for molecular methods for accurate differentiation.

## Key findings

- BCH overlying dermatofibromas shows histological and immunohistochemical similarities to superficial BCC.
- Current techniques cannot reliably distinguish BCH from BCC, indicating a need for molecular diagnostic approaches.

## Abstract

Dermatofibromas (DFs) are benign neoplasms of the dermis typically found on the extremities of young adults. In approximately 3–5% of cases, basaloid cell hyperplasia (BCH) is observed overlying DFs. BCH is characterized by the proliferation of basaloid cells within the epidermis. BCH and superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) share many histological features, making their differentiation challenging. It is therefore unclear if the proliferation of basaloid cells in DFs represents an inductive process or, conversely, a malignant transformation indicative of BCC. The primary objective of our study was to determine whether BCH can be distinguished from superficial BCC using histology and immunhistological techniques. The histological and immunohistochemical characteristics of 43 DF samples with overlying BCH revealed significant similarities in staining patterns with those of superficial BCC described in the literature. These findings point to the need for innovative methods, such as molecular techniques, to refine diagnostic accuracy.