Basaloid carcinoma of the lung

Abstract

Basaloid carcinomas (BC) have been described in various locations including skin, anal canal, tongue, larynx, and recently the lungs. These tumors carry a poor prognosis justifying their classification as a distinct form of lung cancer. We present a case of basaloid lung carcinoma in a 72-year-old man. On gross examination of the left upper lobectomy material a well delineated, solid, yellow-gray mass five cm in diameter was seen close to the pleural surface. Microscopically the tumor was composed of small cells in a lobular growth pattern with scant cytoplasm and moderately hyperchromatic nuclei without prominent nucleoli. The cells showed a high mitotic rate and peripheral palisading. The visceral pleura was infiltrated by the tumor and there were metastatic deposits in the hilar lymph nodes. The immunohistological examination for neuroendocrine markers was negative. Morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of BCs are discussed in this case report.