Primary Cutaneous Cribriform Carcinoma: Report of Six Cases with Clinicopathologic Data and Immunohistochemical Profile

Background: Primary cutaneous cribriform carcinoma (PCCC) is a rare and under-recognized variant of sweat gland carcinoma, characterized by anastomosing tubules and solid nests producing a sieve-like appearance.

Methods: Six cases of PCCC were clinically, histopathologically and immunophenotypically studied.

Results: All cases showed an unencapsulated, nodular dermal tumor composed of solid and cribriform nests, cords and tubules embedded within a desmoplastic stroma. Some tubules showed micropapillary projections reminiscent of tubular adenoma, and intraluminal thin bridges resembling adenomatoid tumor. One case showed a predominantly solid component. Only two cases showed very focal decapitation secretion. Tumor cells expressed CK7, CK5/6, EMA, CEA, S-100, BerEP4 and c-kit and were negative for cytokeratin 20, estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (ER/PR), androgen receptor and GCDFP-15. Calponin, p63 and smooth muscle actin (SMA) showed absence of a myoepithelial layer.

Conclusions: Contrary to the original reports, our series shows that PCCC may be predominantly solid with only a minor cribriform component, and expresses c-kit and S-100 which may potentially lead to the misdiagnosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma. Immunohistochemical stains may aid in distinction from tubular adenoma. Current data suggest a favorable outcome, as metastatic disease has not been reported to date.