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Giant pigmented basal cell carcinoma in the inguinal region: A diagnostic challenge at an uncommon site
Vidhya Venkatesan1 , Jessica Minal1 , Nikhil Pudhu Veetil2 , Kanna Sandhyarani Mahadev1 , Archana Shetty1
1- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Dr Chandramma Dayananda Sagar Institute of Medical Education and Research, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
2- Department of Pathology, PES University Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India , nikhil.pv16@gmail.com
Abstract:   (1084 Views)
Background: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer. It accounts for 80% of all non-melanoma skin cancers. It most commonly occurs in sun-exposed areas. 0.094% of the cases occur in the inguinal region.
Case presentation: A 70-year-old male presented with swelling in the left inguinal region for 6 months, diagnosed as malignant melanoma based on clinical and cytological features and finally as pigmented basal cell carcinoma by histopathology and immunohistochemistry.
Conclusion: All pigmented lesions are not melanoma. Pigmented basal cell carcinoma is an important differential diagnosis for malignant melanoma irrespective of the site, size, and clinical picture. We take this opportunity to reiterate the chances and reasons for the misdiagnosis of basal cell carcinoma in cytology smears.
Keywords: Melanoma, Skin Cancers, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Hedgehog Signaling Pathway
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Research Article: Case Report | Subject: Pathology
Received: 2025/03/1 | Accepted: 2025/10/6
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