Expression of NCAM (CD56), chromogranin A, synaptophysin, c-KIT (CD117) and PDGFRA in normal non-neoplastic skin and basal cell carcinoma: an immunohistochemical study of 66 consecutive cases

The expression of NCAM (CD56), chromogranin A, synaptophysin, c-KIT (CD117) and PDGFRA in normal non-neoplastic skin and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has rarely been investigated. The author immunohistochemically examined the expression of these molecules in 66 consecutive cases of BCC. In non-tumorous skin, NCAM chromogranin A, synaptophysin, c-KIT and PDGFRA expression was seen in the basal cell of the epidermis. NCAM, c-KIT and PDGFRA expression was also seen in the sweat glands and outer cells of hair follicles, but chromogranin and synaptophysin expression was not identified in these structures. In BCC, NCAM expression was seen in 95 % (63/66 cases). Its expression was membranous. Chromogranin A expression was recognized in 27 % (18/66 cases). Its expression was cytoplasmic. Synaptophysin expression was seen in 18 % (12/66 cases). Its expression was membranous and cytoplasmic. c-KIT expression was noted in 93 % (61/66 cases). Its expression was membranous and focally cytoplasmic. PDGFRA expression was seen in 65 % (43/66 cases). Its expression was membranous and cytoplasmic. The expression of these molecules in normal non-tumorous skin is a new finding. The expression of c-KIT and PDGFRA in BCC is also a new finding. In conclusion, the author described the normal (non-neoplastic) distribution of NCAM, chromogranin A, synaptophysin, c-KIT and PDGFRA. In addition, the author showed that, in cutaneous BCC, the expression of NCAM and c-KIT was high (95 and 93 % respectively), PDGFRA was intermediate (65 %), and chromogranin A and synaptophysin was relatively low (27 and 18 %, respectively).