Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the skin treated with Mohs micrographic surgery in combination with immune staining for cytokeratins

Abstract

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the skin (LLCS) is a rare cutaneous neoplasm that histologically resembles nasopharyngeal lymphoepithelioma. Conventional surgical excision carries a considerable rate of recurrence (three of 11 reported cases with such treatment, with one patient dying of metastatic disease). We report the first case of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the skin treated with Mohs micrographic surgery. Because of its tendency to occur on the face and its potential for recurrence after incomplete removal, this tumor is a good candidate for treatment with Mohs micrographic surgery. Immunohistochemical staining of frozen sections for cytokeratins may help to detect neoplastic cells that may be obscured by the dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate associated with this tumor.