Histopathological changes in the skin

The same pathological processes take place in the skin as in other tissues: i.e. regressive, progressive, inflammation, congenital developmental disorders, tumours, circulatory disorders, hyperemia, anemia, hypertrophy and others. In addition, we find special pathological-anatomical changes here.

Pathological-anatomical changes

 * Hyperkeratosis – expansion of the stratum corneum, other layers narrowed, normal and expanded (developmental deviations, inflammation, tumours etc.).
 * Parakeratosis – mperfect keratinization, flattened nuclei of keratinized cells preserved in the stratum corneum (in case of inflammation, psoriasis).
 * Dyskeratosis – a disorder of keratinization, premature keratinization of cells, characteristic horn grains and bodies ("grains" and "corps ronds" are formed in their plasma; for example Darier's dyskeratosis, squamous cell carcinoma).
 * Acanthosis – expansion of the malpighian part of the epidermis, by cell proliferation, usually accompanied by lengthening and expansion of interpapillary pins (reaction to inflammatory processes, in tumors, etc.).
 * Spongiosis, intercellular edema – expansion of intercellular spaces (eczema, dermatitis).
 * Intracellular edema – degenerative cell changes: cavitary, hydroptic, reticular, balloon or vacuolar degeneration (various inflammations).
 * Atrophy of the epidermis – loss of various layers (especially the stratum spinosum).
 * Papillomatosis – finger-like extension of papilla coria, often together with acanthosis, papillae can branch at the top (warts, papillomas).
 * Acantholysis – dissolution of desmosomes, between the cells of a slit to a blister (mostly in pemphigus).

Related articles

 * Histopathological changes in the skin/PGS
 * Thick-type skin/histological specimen