role of laminin immunolabelling in the management of basal cell carcinoma

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to assess laminin production and distribution in basal cell carcinomas in relation to clinical presentation and behaviour. Of 30 cases with B.C.C., 12 expressed a peripheral linear pattern of laminin immunostaining [type I] whereas 18 cases expressed short discontinuous intratumoral labelling in relation to cell membranes [type II]. Type I labelling was recorded more frequently in primary cases, while type II labelling was more frequently recorded in recurrent and extensive cases. Based on correlation with clinical data, it was concluded that type II tumors with type II laminin immunolabelling are more aggressive and should be subjected to prompt surgical excision