Membrane-bound structures at the interface between tumour and dermis in basal cell carcinoma. An ultrastructural study.

During an ultrastructural study of the interface area between tumour and dermis in 23 basal cell carcinoma (BCC), membrane-bound structures were noted in the dermis adjacent to the basal lamina in 12 tumours (52 per cent), but none of the controls. Serial sectioning demonstrated cytoplasmic connections between these structures and tumour cells. Their formation and interaction with adjacent stromal cells is discussed.