Appearances in dermatopathology: The diagnostic and the deceptive

Abstract

Dermatopathology involves study of the microscopic morphology of skin sections. It mirrors pathophysiologic changes occurring at the microscopic level in the skin and its appendages. Sometimes, we come across certain morphologic features that bear a close resemblance to our physical world. These close resemblances are referred to as "appearances" in parlance to dermatopathology. Sometimes, these "appearances" are unique to a certain skin disorder and thus help us to clinch to a definitive diagnosis (e.g., "tadpole" appearance in syringoma). However, frequently, these appearances are encountered in many other skin conditions and can be therefore be misleading. In this paper, we attempt to enlist such "appearances" commonly found in the dermatopathologic literature and also enumerate their differential diagnoses.

Dew drops on spider web appearance: a newly named pattern of IgG4 deposition in pemphigus with direct immunofluorescence

“…Numerous appearances in cutaneous pathology have been described aiming at easing memorization. Those appearances are pathological accompaniments to mucocutaneous clinical signs and novel appearances as well as clinical signs are being described which indicate that this is still an attractive area for exploration [ 3 , 4 ]. In the context of pemphigus, we cannot agree with the H + E histology appearance named “undecorated tomb stoning” for images seen for example in porphyrias in opposition to “decorated tomb stoning” characterizing pemphigus vulgaris and known for decades.…”

Quantification of inflammatory, angiogenic, and fibrous components of reactive oral lesions with an insight into the pathogenesis

“…The nature of rete ridges at the epithelium connective tissue interface was analysed qualitatively. [ 15 16 ] [ Figure 3 ]…”

“Molluscum” Conditions in Dermatology

“…Histopathological features are diagnostic including a “septate tomato” appearance due to lobular hyperplasia of the epidermis. [ 9 ] Individual keratinocytes feature intra-cytoplasmic, basophilic viral inclusions called Molluscum bodies or Henderson-Paterson bodies. [ 10 ]…”