Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia
Published on: August 9, 2024
[Palmar filiform parakeratotic hyperkeratosis without underlying malignancy]
L Pérez-Pérez1, C Peteiro, D Sánchez-Aguilar
1Servicio de Dermatología, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario, Facultad de Medicina, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, España. mejaime@usc.es
Abstract:
Filiform hyperkeratosis (FH) is a rare entity clinically characterized by keratotic spicules on the palms, soles or other areas of the body surface. Its association with several diseases, including neoplasms, has been extensively discussed but currently it is not considered a well-defined paraneoplastic disorder. We report a 72-year-old patient that referred lesions on both palms of three months duration. The rest of the body surface did not show similar lesions. Complementary exams did not reveal any abnormal findings. The histopathological exam showed parakeratotic columns with a slightly decreased granular layer and a mild dermal inflammatory infiltrate. In the last years different terms have been employed to refer to these hyperkeratotic lesions contributing to the lack of clarity that currently persists. Although FH might be classified close to the clinical spectrum of porokeratoses, it presents particular clinical and histological findings that allow it to be considered a separate entity. We report a new case of this rare disorder with exclusive palmar involvement in a patient without underlying malignancy and review the main characteristics of similar cases reported in the literature. Despite the obscure association between this entity and neoplasms, the majority of authors deem it necessary to rule out underlying diseases.
Related Concept Videos
Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
Cells of the Epidermis
The cells in all these layers except the stratum basale are called keratinocytes, a type of cell that manufactures and stores the protein keratin. The keratinocytes in the stratum corneum are dead and regularly slough away, being replaced by cells from...
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Layers of the Epidermis
Stratum Basale
Stratum basale, also known as the stratum germinativum, is the deepest layer of the epidermis. It is composed of a single layer of actively dividing cells called basal cells or basal keratinocytes. These cells constantly undergo cell division to replenish the upper layers of the epidermis. Additionally, melanocytes, which...
Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells
Reticular Dermis
Reticular Layer
Underlying the papillary layer is the much thicker reticular layer, composed of dense, irregular connective...
