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Comparative study of pagetoid dyskeratosis between acrochordons and soft fibromas
Enric Piqué-Duran1, Santiago Palacios-Llopis, Pedro Moreno-Ramis
1Department of Dermatology, Hospital General of Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain. epiqued@medynet.com
Background:
Pagetoid dyskeratosis (PD) is considered a casual finding. We can find it in some conditions, including acrochordons and soft fibromas.
Objective:
(1) to compare the presence of PD in soft fibromas and acrochordons and (2) to compare PD positive fibromas and PD negative fibromas.
Materials And Methods:
We reviewed all acrochordons and soft fibromas diagnosed in the General Hospital of Lanzarote, Spain, between January 2001 and December 2002. We assessed the presence of PD, size, acanthosis, basal pigmentation, and the presence of pseudohorn cysts.
Results:
Three hundred sixty one acrochordons and 164 soft fibromas were included in this study. There were striking differences in the presence of PD, size, acanthosis, and basal pigmentation between both entities. PD positive fibromas predominated in axillas. There were no other differences between PD positive fibromas and PD negative fibromas.
Conclusion:
Although soft fibromas and acrochordons are actually fibroepithelial polyps, including the presence of PD, there are striking differences between them. Thus, both conditions have to be considered as different entities. PD could be related to friction and moisture. PD has to be distinguished from other conditions such as Paget's disease, pagetoid melanoma, koilocytes, clear cell papulosis, among others.
Insights
Pagetoid dyskeratosis (PD) is a common finding in soft fibromas and acrochordons. Despite similarities, distinct differences exist, suggesting they are separate entities. PD may be linked to friction and moisture.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Histopathology
- Skin Lesion Analysis
Background:
- Pagetoid dyskeratosis (PD) is an incidental histological finding.
- PD is observed in various skin conditions, including acrochordons and soft fibromas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence of PD in soft fibromas versus acrochordons.
- To analyze differences between PD-positive and PD-negative fibromas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 361 acrochordons and 164 soft fibromas (2001-2002).
- Histopathological assessment for PD, size, acanthosis, basal pigmentation, and pseudohorn cysts.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in PD presence, size, acanthosis, and pigmentation between acrochordons and soft fibromas.
- PD-positive fibromas were more common in axillary locations.
- No other significant differences were noted between PD-positive and PD-negative fibromas.
Conclusions:
- Soft fibromas and acrochordons, while fibroepithelial polyps, exhibit distinct histological features, including PD.
- These differences support their classification as separate entities.
- PD may be associated with friction and moisture and must be differentiated from other conditions like Paget's disease.
