Primary invasive extramammary Paget disease on penoscrotum: a clinicopathological analysis of 41 cases

Loss of p16 Immunoexpression and Deletions of CDKN2A in the Progression of Extramammary Paget Disease: An Immunohistochemical and Genetic Study of 24 Invasive/Metastatic Cases

ABSTRACT

Information regarding the genetic alterations in extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is scarce. This study investigated the significance of CDKN2A and MTAP alterations in EMPD progression using immunohistochemistry and panel DNA sequencing. In total, 24 invasive/metastatic EMPD cases were included in this study. The immunoexpression of p16 and MTAP in the primary in situ, primary invasive, and metastatic tumor components was evaluated. Panel DNA sequencing was performed for metastatic tumor components in 5 of the 24 cases. Immunoexpression of p16 in the in situ tumor component was at least partially preserved in all 19 tested cases (100%). By contrast, the invasive tumor component was diffusely or partially lost in 18 (81.8%) of 22 tested cases. Regarding the foci of lymph node metastasis, 13 (81.2%) of the 16 patients showed a significant loss of p16 expression. Loss of MTAP immunoexpression was observed less frequently compared with the loss of p16 expression. CDKN2A homozygous deletions were confirmed in all 5 tested cases by sequencing, whereas MTAP deletions were detected in only 2 cases. In conclusion, p16 expression loss and CDKN2A deletions can be frequently seen in invasive/metastatic cases of EMPD.

Pedunculated Neoplasm of the Vulva

ABSTRACT

Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a rare cutaneous malignancy, typically presenting as eczema-like lesions in areas rich in apocrine glands such as the perineum. Here, we report a case of EMPD presenting as a prominent pedunculated neoplasm in a 65-year-old woman. Despite initial misdiagnosis and treatment, biopsy confirmed EMPD infiltration. Following surgical excision, the patient developed brain metastases, indicating a poor prognosis. EMPD's pathogenesis remains unclear, but distinguishing primary from secondary forms is crucial for prognosis and treatment. Our case underscores the importance of recognizing atypical EMPD presentations for timely intervention and improved outcomes.

Anatomic Subtype Differences in Extramammary Paget Disease: A Meta-Analysis

Importance

Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a rare, highly recurrent cutaneous malignant neoplasm of unclear origin. EMPD arises most commonly on the vulvar and penoscrotal skin. It is not presently known how anatomic subtype of EMPD affects disease presentation and management.

Objective

To compare demographic and tumor characteristics and treatment approaches for different EMPD subtypes. Recommendations for diagnosis and treatment are presented.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, and Cochrane Reviews CENTRAL from December 1, 1990, to October 24, 2022.

Study Selection

Articles were excluded if they were not in English, reported fewer than 3 patients, did not specify information by anatomic subtype, or contained no case-level data. Metastatic cases on presentation were also excluded.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Abstracts of 1295 eligible articles were independently reviewed by 5 coauthors, and 135 articles retained. Reporting was in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. The analysis was cunducted in August 2019 and updated in November 2022.

Findings

Most vulvar EMPD cases were asymptomatic, and diagnosis was relatively delayed (mean, 25.1 months). Although most vulvar EMPD cases were intraepidermal (1247/1773 [70.3%]), radical surgeries were still performed in almost one-third of cases. Despite this aggressive surgical approach, 481 of 1423 (34%) recurred, commonly confined to the skin and mucosa (177/198 [89.4%]). By contrast, 152 of 1101 penoscrotal EMPD cases (14%) recurred, but more than one-third of these recurrences were regional or associated with distant metastases (54 of 152 [35.5%]). Perianal EMPD cases recurred in one-third of cases (74/218 [33.9%]), with one-third of these recurrences being regional or associated with distant metastasis (20 of 74 [27.0%]). Perianal EMPD also had the highest rate of invasive disease (50% of cases).

Conclusions and Relevance

The diagnosis and treatment of EMPD should differ based on anatomic subtypes. Considerations for updated practice may include less morbid treatments for vulvar EMPD, which is primarily epidermal, and close surveillance for local recurrence in vulvar EMPD and metastatic recurrence in perianal EMPD. Recurrences in penoscrotal subtype were less common, and selective surveillance in this subtype may be considered. Limitations of this study include the lack of replication cohorts and the exclusion of studies that did not stratify outcomes by anatomic subtype.

Pathologically Confirmed Subcutaneous Fat and Lymphovascular Invasion of a Hypopigmented Area in Extramammary Paget Disease

Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a rare adenocarcinoma that usually occurs in areas of the body that are rich in apocrine sweat glands. Great depth of tumor invasion is a well-known risk factor for worse prognosis. Paget cells usually are limited to the epidermis, whereas invasive EMPD, which infiltrates the dermis, is relatively rare. It is even rarer for the tumor to spread beyond the dermis. Only 3.1% of patients with EMPD of the penis and scrotum have exhibited infiltration of the subcutaneous fat layer. We report a case of a 62-year-old male with EMPD that invaded the subcutaneous fat layer. He presented with a several-year history of a slowly expanding erythematous plaque with the hypopigmented area on the left penoscrotum. One month before presentation, the patient had undergone punch biopsy at another hospital and diagnosed with EMPD. He had no personal history of urogenital cancers. The patient was treated with Mohs micrographic surgery, and negative margins were achieved after four stages. The histopathologic findings revealed Paget cells scattered throughout the epidermis. At the hypopigmented area, Paget cells extended to the subcutaneous fat layer with lymphovascular invasion. There was no evidence of recurrence at seven months postoperatively. Herein, we describe a case of hypopigmented EMPD that infiltrated the subcutaneous layer, which rarely has been reported in Korea.

WHO 2022 classification of penile and scrotal cancers: updates and evolution

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common malignant tumour of the penis. The 2022 WHO classification reinforces the 2016 classification and subclassifies precursor lesions and tumours into human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated and HPV-independent types. HPV-associated penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PeIN) is a precursor lesion of invasive HPV- associated SCC, whereas differentiated PeIN is a precursor lesion of HPV-independent SCC. Block-type positivity of p16 immunohistochemistry is the most practical daily utilised method to separate HPVassociated from HPVindependent penile SCC. If this is not feasible, the term SCC, not otherwise specified (NOS) is appropriate. Certain histologies that were previously classified as "subtypes" are now grouped, and coalesced as "patterns", under the rubric of usual type SCC and verrucous carcinoma (e.g. usual-type SCC includes pseudohyperplastic and acantholytic/pseudoglandular carcinoma, and carcinoma cuniculatum is included as a pattern of verrucous carcinoma). If there is an additional component of the usual type of invasive SCC (formerly termed hybrid histology), the tumour would be a mixed carcinoma (e.g. carcinoma cuniculatum or verrucous carcinoma with usual invasive SCC); in such cases, reporting of the relative percentages in mixed tumours may be useful. The consistent use of uniform nomenclature and reporting of percentages will inform the refinement of future reporting classification schemes and guidelines/recommendations. The classification of scrotal tumours is provided for the first time in the fifth edition of the WHO Blue book, and it follows the schema of penile cancer classification for both precursor lesions and the common SCC of the scrotum. Basal cell carcinoma of the scrotum may have a variable clinical course and finds a separate mention.

The Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Factors of Primary Extramammary Paget's Disease Treated with Surgery in Anogenital Regions: A Large Population Study from the SEER Database and Our Centre

BACKGROUND

Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare malignant cutaneous tumour that is commonly located in anogenital regions. The diagnosis of the disease is always delayed, and treatment is usually troublesome. This study aims to summarise the clinicopathological characteristics and the risk factors of prognosis for EMPD in anogenital regions, potentially providing evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of anogenital EMPD.

METHODS

688 patients were sourced from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program between 1992 and 2021. In total, 176 participants from our centre from between 2011 and 2021 were included to investigate the characteristics and prognosis for EMPD in anogenital regions.

RESULTS

From the SEER program data, patient age of 65 years or older, metastasis of lymph nodes, Spanish-Hispanic-Latino race, diameter exceeding 10cm and lesions located anally were revealed as independent risk factors for shorter cancer-specific survival (CSS). However, the data from our centre highlighted that metastasis of lymph nodes and tumours extending through the epidermis are independent risk factors of shortened progression-free survival (PFS) and CSS of anogenital EMPD.

CONCLUSION

This synthesised study revealed that some characteristics are regarded as risk factors for poor clinical prognosis, which have potential value in formulating more normative and effective strategies for patients with EMPD in anogenital regions.

Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Extramammary Paget Disease

IMPORTANCE

Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a frequently recurring malignant neoplasm with metastatic potential that presents in older adults on the genital, perianal, and axillary skin. Extramammary Paget disease can precede or occur along with internal malignant neoplasms.

OBJECTIVE

To develop recommendations for the care of adults with EMPD.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

A systematic review of the literature on EMPD from January 1990 to September 18, 2019, was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, and Cochrane Libraries. Analysis included 483 studies. A multidisciplinary expert panel evaluation of the findings led to the development of clinical care recommendations for EMPD.

FINDINGS

The key findings were as follows: (1) Multiple skin biopsies, including those of any nodular areas, are critical for diagnosis. (2) Malignant neoplasm screening appropriate for age and anatomical site should be performed at baseline to distinguish between primary and secondary EMPD. (3) Routine use of sentinel lymph node biopsy or lymph node dissection is not recommended. (4) For intraepidermal EMPD, surgical and nonsurgical treatments may be used depending on patient and tumor characteristics, although cure rates may be superior with surgical approaches. For invasive EMPD, surgical resection with curative intent is preferred. (5) Patients with unresectable intraepidermal EMPD or patients who are medically unable to undergo surgery may receive nonsurgical treatments, including radiotherapy, imiquimod, photodynamic therapy, carbon dioxide laser therapy, or other modalities. (6) Distant metastatic disease may be treated with chemotherapy or individualized targeted approaches. (7) Close follow-up to monitor for recurrence is recommended for at least the first 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Clinical practice guidelines for EMPD provide guidance regarding recommended diagnostic approaches, differentiation between invasive and noninvasive disease, and use of surgical vs nonsurgical treatments. Prospective registries may further improve our understanding of the natural history of the disease in primary vs secondary EMPD, clarify features of high-risk tumors, and identify superior management approaches.

Extramammary Paget's Disease of genitourinary origin

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Extramammary Paget's Disease (EMPD) is an uncommon intra-epithelial malignancy, affecting primarily apocrine gland-bearing skin. EMPD is often considered an orphan diagnosis given its rarity. This review provides a contemporary overview of EMPD management.

RECENT FINDINGS

The mainstay of EMPD treatment centers around a high index of suspicion to allow for an early and accurate diagnosis, wide local or Mohs micrographic surgical excision with care paid toward the margin status, and thoughtful consideration for lymphadenectomy in patients with clinically positive regional disease. There is currently no consensus regarding adjuvant therapies or systemic therapies although with ongoing improvements in tumor biology and genomics, including molecular pathways and alterations specific to EMPD, targeted or combinatorial therapies may be on the horizon.

SUMMARY

Clinicians caring for patients with EMPD should seek consultation from or if feasible, consider referral to high-volume, experienced centers with patients counseled and provided with frequent and close follow-up for disease recurrence or progression. Collaboration with groups such as the Global Society for Rare Genitourinary Tumors, and especially patient groups will be vital to designing trials and collaborative databases.

Multidisciplinary Approach for the Management of Penoscrotal Extramammary Paget's disease -An eUROGEN study

INTRODUCTION

We reviewed the medical and surgical management and long-term outcomes for patients diagnosed with penoscrotal extramammary Pagets disease (EMPD) within an eUROGEN centre.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of cases from an institutional database with biopsy proven penoscrotal EMPD.

RESULTS

A total of 10 patients were identified with penoscrotal EMPD over a 10-year period. Two patients had a previous history of gastrointestinal and urogenital cancers (20%) and no synchronous or metachronous cancers were identified. Eight patients with non-invasive EMPD (80%) underwent wide local excision of the affected skin, with at least a 5mm macroscopic resection margin and in selected cases simultaneous multiple mapping biopsies around the lesion were performed. Residual disease was present at the margins in seven patients (87.5%), of which three required further surgical excision or adjuvant topical immunotherapy (42.8%). Recurrence after complete excision was 12.5% and was successfully treated with topical imiquimod immunotherapy and CO₂ laser therapy. Two patients (20%) had invasive carcinoma and metastatic disease at diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Reported recurrence rates of non-invasive penoscrotal EMPD are high and residual disease is present in most cases requiring either close clinical surveillance or adjuvant treatment. We propose an algorithm in the management of this rare disease.

Penoscrotal Paget's disease

Paget's disease (PD) denotes an initially intra-epidermal adenocarcinoma that can later invade the dermis and metastasise. Among the extramammary forms of PD (EMPD), penoscrotal presentations are rarer than the vulvar and perianal forms. Once diagnosis has been confirmed by histopathological examination, a search for associated neoplasia must be conducted, although penoscrotal EMPD is less frequently associated with underlying neoplasia than mammary PD (MPD). The associated cancer most often involves a neighbouring organ, with prostate cancer being the most common, or in some cases consists of underlying cutaneous adnexal tumours. First-line therapy consists of surgical excision. Alternatives to surgery (imiquimod, CO₂ laser vaporisation, dynamic phototherapy) may be considered in certain cases.

Excision combined with photodynamic therapy for scrotal Paget's disease in patients aged over 60 years

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the safety and efficacy of wide local excision combined with aminolevulinic acid (ALA) photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of scrotal Paget's disease in patients of advanced age.

METHODS

Data were collected for 16 patients (mean age, 68.44 years) with scrotal Paget's disease treated with wide local excision combined with ALA PDT and followed up from June 2014 to February 2018. Pathological examination after wide local excision confirmed Paget's disease. The patients underwent three courses of ALA PDT postoperatively and were followed up to determine the curative effect and complications in the short and middle term.

RESULTS

The disease duration ranged from 4 to 76 months (mean, 36 months). Ten patients underwent simple excision, six underwent skin flap transfer, and two required reoperations due to skin flap necrosis and infection. The patients were followed up for 3 to 42 months after ALA PDT, during which time two patients developed metastasis (recurrence rate, 12.50%). No other serious complications occurred during follow-up except for lower limb movement disorder in one patient (6.25%).

CONCLUSIONS

Wide local excision combined with ALA PDT shows good clinical efficacy and a low complication rate in patients of advanced age with scrotal Paget's disease.

First-time versus recurrent penoscrotal extramammary Paget's disease: Clinicopathological characteristics and risk factors in 164 Chinese male patients

Background

Penoscrotal extramammary Paget's disease is a rare, slow-growing neoplasm with high frequency of local recurrence.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in clinicopathological characteristics between first-time and recurrent penoscrotal Paget's disease, and to discover the potential risk factors of recurrence.

Methods

Between January 2007 and February 2014, a total of 164 Chinese patients with biopsy-proven tramammary Paget's diseaseex in penis and scrotum underwent wide local resection in our institution. Among them, 142 patients with first-time disease and other 22 patients with recurrent disease were enrolled in this retrospective analysis.

Results

The median duration of symptoms was much shorter in recurrent disease than in first-timers (3 vs. 24 months, P < 0.001). Patients with recurrent disease tended to have lower lesion exudation rates (27.3% vs. 51.8%, P= 0.032). In addition, patients with distant stage were more likely to obtain recurrent disease compared with first-time disease (P = 0.005). Through immunohistochemical detection of extramammary Paget's specimen, we found that HER2/neu protein expression in the recurrent group was significantly higher than first-timers (P = 0.036).

Limitations

In this study, the information on familial history of most patients was insufficient. Moreover, due to the lack of follow-up data of our included cases, we were unable to evaluate the prognosis after diagnosis of extramammary Paget's disease.

Conclusion

Patients with penoscrotal Paget's disease, especially those with shorter duration of symptoms, exudation of lesions, distant-stage, Paget cells infiltrating into adnexa, and HER2/neu expression, should be followed up more carefully after surgery, as they were more likely to suffer recurrence.

Extramammary Paget disease shows differential expression of B7 family members B7-H3, B7-H4, PD-L1, PD-L2 and cancer/testis antigens NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A

Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a rare cutaneous adenocarcinoma of the anogenital region most commonly treated with surgical excision. Surgical margin clearance is often problematic and recurrence rates remain high indicating the need for additional therapeutic options. Topical immunomodulators have been used with reported success suggesting EMPD may respond to other immunotherapies. This study investigates EMPD protein expression of targetable B7 family members and cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) B7-H3, B7-H4, PD-L1, PD-L2, MAGE-A, and NY-ESO-1 and components of antigen presenting machinery B2M and MHC-I. Fifty-seven specimens from 48 patients (31 female and 17 male), representing in situ, invasive, and metastatic disease of primary and secondary origin were stained and scored (627 total slides). The percentage of cases expressing each immune regulatory molecule in the in situ followed by invasive tumor components was: B7-H3 (94, 90), B7-H4 (82, 78), PD-L1 (6, 10), MAGE-A (39, 50), NY-ESO-1 (16, 20), B2M (100, 89), and MHC-I (78, 79). PD-L2 was negative in all cases. There was high correlation between marker expression within the in situ and invasive tumor components of the same case. B7-H4 was preferentially expressed in primary cutaneous EMPD. Co-expression of B7 family members B7-H3 and B7-H4 was found within the in situ and invasive tumor components of 74% and 48% of cases, respectively. These findings provide an initial characterization of EMPD tumor cell expression of B7-H3, B7-H4, PD-L1, PD-L2, MAGE-A, and NY-ESO-1 and indicate the potential for new immunotherapeutic options for patients with EMPD.

An Overview of Uncommon Cutaneous Malignancies, Including Skin Appendageal (Adnexal) Tumours and Sarcomas

A standardised classification of malignant skin appendageal (adnexal) tumours and sarcomas is required for improved patient management and prognosis. This has been hindered by considerable morphological variation both within and between tumour types, the use of many synonyms for the same tumour types and variation in classification between pathologists. This update uses the improved classification in the 2018 WHO classification of skin tumours as the basis to discuss malignant skin appendageal tumours, sarcomas and cutaneous metastases that regularly present to skin cancer clinicians, multidisciplinary skin cancer teams and tumour boards, with current evidence for management, where appropriate.

The role of perineural invasion in penile cancer: a meta-analysis and systematic review

The significance of perineural invasion (PNI) present in penile cancer (PC) is controversial. In order to clarify the predictive role of PNI in the inguinal lymph node (ILN) metastases (ILNM) and oncologic outcome of patients, we performed this meta-analysis and systematic review. The search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted for appropriate studies, up to 20 January 2018. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) were applied to evaluate the difference in ILNM and oncologic outcome between patients present with PNI and those who were absent. A total of 298 in 1001 patients present with PNI were identified in current meta-analysis and systematic review. Significant difference was observed in ILNM between PNI present and absent from patients with PC (OR = 2.98, 95% CI = 2.00-4.45). Patients present with PNI had a worse cancer-specific survival (CSS) (HR = 3.58, 95% CI = 1.70-7.55) and a higher cancer-specific mortality (CSM) (HR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.06-3.82) than those cases without PNI. This meta-analysis and systematic review demonstrated the predictive role of PNI in ILNM, CSS, and CSM for PC patients.

Patients' Experiences With Extramammary Paget Disease: An Online Pilot Study Querying a Patient Support Group

OBJECTIVE

To illustrate the heterogeneous care delivered to patients with extramammary Paget disease (EMPD), a rare and lethal malignancy with poorly described treatment methodologies, by characterizing the clinical and pathologic characteristics of an international patient support group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Institutional review board approval was obtained to develop and distribute a nonvalidated survey to patients from an international, online EMPD support group. The survey was developed to capture patient clinical and pathologic details and was distributed between January 2017 and February 2017.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients completed the survey. At a mean age of 64 years, patients most commonly developed rash, pruritus, or erythema in the genital and perianal regions. Patients presented to their primary care physician, gynecologist, or dermatologist and were initially treated with topical agents for benign diagnoses. After failing conservative treatments, patients underwent biopsy by a dermatologist or gynecologist and were diagnosed with EMPD on average 21 months after the onset of symptoms. Wide local and Mohs excisions were the most frequently administered treatments with positive margins reported in 43% of patients. Fewer patients underwent noninvasive treatment with imiquimod cream and radiation. In total, 29% of patients developed regional recurrence and distant disease. There was wide variation regarding medical specialties involved, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and clinical follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a novel view of the varied clinical and pathologic details from patients treated across varying institutions and medical specialties. This study will hopefully educate providers of the overall disease process of EMPD and encourage the development of standardized treatment recommendations.

GATA3 is a sensitive marker for primary genital extramammary paget disease: an immunohistochemical study of 72 cases with comparison to gross cystic disease fluid protein 15

Background

GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3) has been identified as a sensitive marker for breast carcinoma but its sensitivity in primary genital extramammary Paget diseases (EMPDs) has not been well studied.

Methods

Here we investigated immunohistochemical expression of GATA3 in 72 primary genital EMPDs (35 from female, 37 from male; 45 with intraepithelial disease only, 26 with both intraepithelial disease and invasive adenocarcinoma including 14 also metastasis, 1 with metastatic adenocarcinoma only for study). We also compared GATA3 to gross cystic disease fluid protein 15 (GCDFP15) for their sensitivity.

Results

Positive GATA3 staining was seen in all 71 (100%) intraepithelial diseases, 25/26 (96%; female 10/10, male 15/16) invasive adenocarcinomas and 14/15 (93%; female 3/3, male 11/12) metastatic adenocarcinomas, respectively. Positive GCDFP15 staining was seen in 46/71 (65%; female 28/34 or 82%, male 18/37 or 49%) intraepithelial diseases, 20/26 (77%; female 9/10, male 11/16) invasive adenocarcinomas, and 12/15 (80%; female 2/3, male 10/12) metastatic adenocarcinomas, respectively (GATA3 versus GCDFP15: p < 0.01 for both intraepithelial disease and invasive adenocarcinoma, p = 0.28 for metastatic adenocarcinoma). In positive-stained cases, GATA3 stained more tumor cells than GCDFP15 (79% versus 25% for intraepithelial disease, 71% vs 34% for invasive adenocarcinoma, 73% vs 50% for metastatic adenocarcinoma, p < 0.01 for all 3 components).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that GATA3 is a very sensitive marker for primary genital EMPDs and is more sensitive than GCDFP15.

A case of extramammary inguinal Paget disease in a male patient: surgical treatment with an abdominal advancement cutaneous flap

Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a rare neoplasm. The clinical case of a 55-year-old man with a two-year history of a pruritic, painless erythematous skin rash on the inguinal region and scrotum is described. After a delay due to improper diagnosis and improper treatments, the patient came to the attention of the Division of plastic surgery. He underwent a punch biopsy and the pathology report came back as EMPD. Surgical excision was carried out, and an abdominal advancement cutaneous flap was performed for the defect repair. This is the first description of a reconstruction after surgical removal of inguinal EMPD with a flap of this type and we think that this type of treatment can be useful and reliable for disease localization in the groin area, especially for patients that present an excess of abdominal skin.

Tumor Wide Horizontal Invasion Predicts Local Recurrence for Scrotal Extramammary Paget's Disease

Extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) is a rare malignancy, and little was known about its prognostic factors and optimal treatment. In the current study, we aimed to discuss clinical and pathological features of scrotal EMPD and determine the prognostic factors for cancer-specific survival and local recurrence. A total of 206 patients with scrotal EMPD lesions surgically treated at our institute were studied. All clinical and pathological data were reviewed. Immunohistochemical staining of TP53 and Ki67 was examined as well. At the last follow-up, 175 patients (84.95%) were alive. Twelve patients (5.83%) had died of the disease due to distant metastases. Fifteen patients (7.28%) developed local recurrences of scrotal EMPD. Ki67 expression was significantly elevated in patients with wide horizontal invasion (P = 0.003). In univariate analysis, high invasion level, presence of nodule, presence of lymphovascular invasion, adnexa invasion, lymph node metastasis and high p53 expression were significant factors for poor cancer-specific survival. In multivariate analysis, high p53 expression was significantly correlated with poor cancer-specific survival. Wide horizontal invasion was independently correlated with local recurrence-free survival of scrotal EMPD. In conclusion, wide horizontal invasion is an independent risk factor for local recurrence-free survival in the patients with scrotal EMPD.

RANKL expression is a useful marker for differentiation of pagetoid squamous cell carcinoma in situ from extramammary Paget disease

BACKGROUND

Pagetoid squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS) is a histopathologic variant of SCCIS composed of cells that display an abundant, pale-staining cytoplasm in a pagetoid distribution within the epidermis. As pagetoid SCCIS is sometimes difficult to differentiate from extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) histopathologically, specific markers for pagetoid SCCIS or EMPD are needed by dermatopathologists.

METHODS

In this report, we employed immunohistochemical staining for receptor of activated nuclear factor kappa ligand (RANKL) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in six cases each of pagetoid SCCIS and EMPD.

RESULTS

The Paget cells strongly expressed RANKL in EMPD, whereas the atypical keratinocytes did not express RANKL in any of the six cases of pagetoid SCCIS. In all cases of pagetoid SCCIS, atypical keratinocytes expressed PD-L1. In EMPD, Paget cells expressed PD-L1 in half of the cases at a lower level of expression than was seen in the surrounding keratinocytes.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that RANKL, but not PD-L1, could be a marker to differentiate between pagetoid SCCIS and EMPD.