Differentiation of Basal Cell Epithelioma-Like Changes Overlying Dermatofibroma

The study investigated basal cell epithelioma-like (BCE-like) changes in the epidermis overlying dermatofibroma, comparing them to normal epidermis and hair follicles. Using PNA and anti-keratin monoclonal antibodies, 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 similar, but the hair matrix was not recognized. These findings suggested that normal basal cells exhibited differentiation most similar to BCE-like changes.