Position paper on a simplified histopathological classification of basal cell carcinoma: results of the European Consensus Project

Abstract

Background: Histopathological classification of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has important prognostic and therapeutic implications, but reproducibility of BCC subtyping among dermatopathologists is poor.

Objectives: To obtain a consensus paper on BCC classification and subtype definitions.

Methods: A panel of 12 recognized dermatopathologists (G12) from nine European countries used a modified Delphi method and evaluated 100 BCC cases uploaded to a website. The strategy involved five steps: (I) agreement on definitions for WHO 2018 BCC subtypes; (II) classification of 100 BCCs using the agreed definitions; (III) discussion on the weak points of the WHO classification and proposal of a new classification with clinical insights; (IV) re-evaluation of the 100 BCCs using the new classification; and (V) external independent evaluation by 10 experienced dermatopathologists (G10).

Results: A simplified classification unifying infiltrating, sclerosing, and micronodular BCCs into a single "infiltrative BCC" subtype improved reproducibility and was practical from a clinical standpoint. Fleiss' κ values increased for all subtypes, and the level of agreement improved from fair to moderate for the nodular and the unified infiltrative BCC groups, respectively. The agreement for basosquamous cell carcinoma remained fair, but κ values increased from 0.276 to 0.342. The results were similar for the G10 group. Delphi consensus was not achieved for the concept of trichoblastic carcinoma. In histopathological reports of BCC displaying multiple subtypes, only the most aggressive subtype should be mentioned, except superficial BCC involving margins.

Conclusions: The three BCC subtypes with infiltrative growth pattern, characteristically associated with higher risk of deep involvement (infiltrating, sclerosing, and micronodular), should be unified in a single group. The concise and encompassing term "infiltrative BCCs" can be used for these tumors. A binary classification of BCC into low-risk and high-risk subtypes on histopathological grounds alone is questionable; correlation with clinical factors is necessary to determine BCC risk and therapeutic approach.