Topical 5‐Fluorouracil Treatment of Superficial Basal Cell Epithelioma. A Light and Electron Microscopic Study

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Abstract
A 27 yr old patient developed superficial basal cell epitheliomas approximately 20 yr after taking Fowler''s solution. One of the lesions was successfully treated with topical 2% 5-fluorouracil solution under occlusion. Sequential biopsies of the lesion before, during and after therapy were examined by light microscopy and EM, and the changes at various stages are described. Changes occurred only in tumor cells and adjacent epidermis, and only after occlusion of 5-FU. After 1 wk of occlusive therapy, focal discontinuities in the basal lamina and intercellular spaces were wider with reduction and condensation of tonofilaments. Mitochrondrial degeneration was seen along with irregularities in nucleoli. These changed were most prominent after 2 wk of occlusive therapy, and many degenerating keratinocytes were seen detached from other cells. One month after cessation of therapy, the entire area was excised, and no evidence of tumor was seen.