Incidental epidermolytic hyperkeratosis and focal acantholytic dyskeratosis in common acquired melanocytic nevi and atypical melanocytic lesions.
BACKGROUND
Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (EH) and focal acantholytic dyskeratosis (FAD) are distinct histologic patterns that have been observed incidentally in a variety of benign and malignant skin lesions, including melanocytic lesions.


OBJECTIVE
Our motivation for this study was to determine whether FAD and/or EH was significantly associated with atypical melanocytic lesions.


METHODS
Skin biopsy specimens of melanocytic lesions diagnosed at our facility over a 3-month period were examined for the occurrence of FAD and EH.


RESULTS
Whereas both FAD and EH are uncommon findings, FAD was statistically increased in atypical melanocytic lesions (P =.0172). EH was not found to differ significantly in common acquired melanocytic nevi vs atypical melanocytic lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
Although both can be found in association with nonneoplastic skin diseases, as well as cutaneous neoplasms, FAD, but not EH, might serve as a marker for melanocytic atypia. Taken together with findings in the literature, FAD might serve as marker for atypical cutaneous proliferations as a whole.
Center for Health Care Research and Department of Medicine, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
Angela C S
AC
Hutcheson
Paul J
PJ
Nietert
John C
JC
Maize
D000051:Acantholysis / Q000473:pathology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D017488:Hyperkeratosis, Epidermolytic / Q000473:pathology*; D007642:Keratosis / Q000473:pathology*; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000473:pathology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*