Solid carcinoma is a variant of microcystic adnexal carcinoma: A 14-case series.

BACKGROUND: Solid carcinoma is a poorly characterized malignant apocrine neoplasm as only 16 cases have been published.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize its clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical features.

METHODS: We compiled 14 cases of solid carcinoma and clinical information were updated. Hematoxylin and eosin slides were reviewed and we stained all the cases for CEA, EMA, SMA, PHLDA-1, BerP4, nestin, p53, p63, p75, CK5/6, CK7 and some with remaining material for CK14, 15, CK10, CK19, S100, CD117, and CAM5.

RESULTS: All the lesions were located on the scalp. Histopathologically, all the cases were characterized by solid aggregates of neoplastic epithelial cells without nuclear atypia or mitotic figures involving all the dermis. All the cases presented perineural infiltration and most of them had cornified cystic structures. CK5/6 and p63 were positive. CEA and EMA underlined the scarce ducts. Ki67 was lower than 1%. BerEP4 and PHLDA-1 were negative.

CONCLUSION: Solid carcinoma is a solid variant of MAC affecting the scalp more frequently than classic MAC, mostly in old males and showing variable-sized nests involving the entire dermis and composed by poroid, clear-cells, or a mixture of both. It is positive for p63 and CK5/6 and negative for BerEP4 and PHLDA-1. Staining features with CK19 and PHLDA1 differ from classic MAC.