Solid Basal Cell Epithelioma Possibly Originates From the Outer Root Sheath of the Hair Follicle

The study investigated the cytokeratin (CK) profiles in 20 solid basal cell epitheliomas (BCEs) and compared them with normal epidermis and the outer root sheath (ORS) of hair follicles. Using monoclonal antibodies and techniques like gel electrophoresis, it was found that BCE and ORS shared similar CK profiles, particularly CKs 5, 6, 14, 16, and 17, while normal epidermis had a different CK pattern. The findings suggested that the lower ORS might serve as a cellular origin for BCE, as evidenced by the similar CK patterns between BCE and ORS, and distinct differences from normal epidermis.