Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the soft palate: case report

Abstract

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is a histologically distinct variant of squamous cell carcinoma. It occurs in various sites of the head and neck region and is believed to carry a dismal prognosis. The palate is a very rare site of BSCC development and only three cases have been reported in the international literature. In this report, we present a case of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the soft palate. The therapeutic strategy and histological findings are described in detail, including immunohistochemistry with the use of involucrin, an agent used for the first time for BSCC diagnosis. In addition, a brief review of the literature is presented.