Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the skin: a case with lymph node metastases at presentation

Abstract

We report a case of a primary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) of the skin. The patient was a 73-year-old man with a lump on his back for 18 months. A biopsy and subsequent excision was performed. He also had axillary node clearance for metastatic disease. The tumor was composed of islands of pleomorphic cells with a lymphocytic infiltrate. Differential diagnoses included squamous cell carcinoma, adnexal carcinoma, Merkel cell tumors, lymphoepithelial lesions, lymphomas, and skin metastases. The histopathologic and immunohistochemical features were those of a LELC of the skin. It was negative for Epstein-Barr virus. Just over 30 cases of primary LELCs arising in the skin have been reported with only 1 documented fatality. We report a case with extensive vascular involvement and bilateral lymph node metastases.