TENASCIN EXPRESSION IN ADENOID BASAL-CELL CARCINOMA OF THE SKIN

The immunoreactivity of tenascin, an extra cellular matrix glycoprotei n, spatially and temporarily expressed in a site restricted manner dur ing embryogenesis, wound healing and various benign and malignant tumo urs, was evaluated in 24 cases of adenoid basal cell carcinoma of the skin. The expression of tenascin showed three distinct patterns: first ly, the expression was confined to the stroma surrounding the tumour c ells, secondly, to the stromal tissues of epithelial tumour foci and l umens of cribriform or cyst-like epithelial structures, and finally, a mixed pattern of these two was seen. It is suggested that in addition to the stromal reactivity, epithelial tumour cells may produce tenasc in to deposit into the cribriform cystic lumens in the adenoid basal c ell carcinoma in the skin.