Differentiation of Basal Cell Epithelioma-Like Changes Overlying Dermatofibroma

The study investigated basal cell epithelioma-like (BCE-like) changes in the epidermis overlying dermatofibroma, focusing on whether these changes were due to dermal lesions or adnexal regression. Using PNA and anti-keratin monoclonal antibodies, the researchers found no difference in staining patterns between BCE-like changes, hair follicles, and normal basal cells with one antibody (34betaB4). However, with another antibody (34betaE12), BCE-like changes and normal basal cells were recognized, but the hair matrix was not. The findings suggested that normal basal cells exhibited the most similar differentiation to BCE-like changes.