Cancer Pearls

Cancer pearls

Cancer pearls (also known as cancroid bodies or "horny pearls") are growths that sometimes occur inside tumors or cysts. They are spherical concentric masses of keratin (the protein that makes up the stratum corneum of the skin and its derivatives).

Cancer pearls are most often found in cancerous tumors, especially squamous cell carcinoma. They can also form in benign cysts such as epidermoid cysts and teratomas. Sometimes they are found in chronic inflammatory diseases.

The reasons for the formation of cancerous pearls are not completely clear. They are thought to arise from abnormally rapid growth and accumulation of keratin. Tumor cells begin to actively divide and produce large amounts of keratin, which accumulates in concentric layers, forming a spherical structure.

Cancer pearls usually range from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Histological examination shows that they consist of alternating layers of keratinized cells. Sometimes there may be necrotic material or cyst contents in the center of the pearl.

Finding cancer pearls can help diagnose a malignant tumor. However, they themselves are not a sign of cancer, since they can also occur with benign processes. To make a final diagnosis, biopsy and histological examination of tumor tissue is necessary.