Abstract

Infiltrative basal cell carcinomas (iBCCs) are malignant cutaneous neoplasms that are comprised of thin bundles of basaloid cells extending into the dermis. They typically present as white compact papules with undefined borders commonly localized to the face or upper trunk. Desmoplastic trichoepitheliomas (DTEs) are benign cutaneous adnexal neoplasms that originate from hair follicles. They typically present as nondescript firm skin-colored papules with a central depression, usually on the cheeks. Herein, we describe the rare cutaneous phenomenon of an iBCC adjacent to a DTE within the same skin lesion on the left cheek of a 36 year old female, as verified by immunohistochemistry. We further hypothesize potential mechanisms for the unique co-occurrence of these two similarly appearing histologic entities within the same skin lesion.