Unilateral epidermal naevus resembling acanthosis nigricans

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology

Background:

• Epidermal nevi are congenital skin anomalies.
• Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition often associated with underlying medical issues.

Observation:

• A patient presented with a unilateral epidermal nevus and subsequently developed symmetrical benign acanthosis nigricans.
• The epidermal nevus and acanthosis nigricans exhibited identical histological features.
• The patient later developed a muco-epidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland.

Findings:

• The association between unilateral epidermal nevi and the development of acanthosis nigricans was observed.
• Histological examination confirmed acanthosis nigricans in both the nevus and the symmetrical eruption.
• The case raises questions about a potential link between epidermal nevi and malignancy.

Implications:

• Further long-term follow-up is required to determine if unilateral epidermal nevi are unusually associated with malignant tumors.
• Distinguishing between benign and malignant forms of acanthosis nigricans is crucial.
• Statistical evidence is needed to establish a definitive association.