Background: Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a distinct skin cancer of unknown histogenesis. Data from genome-wide surveys for chromosomal aberrations in EMPD are limited.
Objectives: To identify chromosomal aberrations that are present in EMPD.
Methods: Fifteen cases of EMPD were analysed by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). We used pooled DNA CGH, instead of studying a single sample. In addition, immunohistochemistry was performed for detection of androgen receptor (AR).
Results: The most recurrent change was amplification at chromosomes Xcent-q21 and 19, and loss at 10q24-qter. In addition, expression of AR, located in chromosome X, was found in six cases.
Conclusions: Results suggest that AR may play a role in EMPD tumorigenesis.