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Cytological and histopathological evaluation of skin lesions with special reference to bullous lesions

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Original Article

Author Details : B. Madhavi, B. Rajeshekar Reddy, Kumar, Ranveer Singh

Volume : 1, Issue : 3, Year : 2016

Article Page : 108-114

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Abstract

Introduction: Various lesions afflict the skin ranging from non-specific dermatoses to inflammatory diseases to neoplastic changes in various components of the skin.
Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate cytology and histopathology examination for the diagnosis of bullous lesions of the skin and to correlate the clinical diagnosis with the histopathological findings.
Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study carried out in the Department of Pathology, over a period of two and half years. The study included 31 patients who presented with various types of bullous lesions. A detailed history and clinical examination was carried out in all the cases. Cytological (Tzanck smear) and histopathological examination was done for all the patients and the results were correlated with the clinical diagnosis.
Results: The study group comprised of a total of 31 patients. Out of 810 new cases with various skin problems 31 cases were of blistering disorders. There were 17 males and 14 female patients in the study. The male: female ratio being 1.21:1. The patient age ranged from 1year to 68 years. The maximum number of cases observed were of immunological variety followed by unknown etiological type and lastly was the infective type and congenital variety. Pemphigus vulgaris was most common in the immunological group and more of female patients were affected.  Tzanck smear examination was useful in most of the cases and supported the histological diagnosis.
Conclusions: Cytological examination of skin lesions by way of Tzanck smears is a simple and reliable test for the presumptive diagnosis of pemphigus and pemphigoid groups of disorders. It is also helpful in the diagnosis of viral infections. Complete clinical details, cytology and routine histopathology, all together help in the diagnosis of most bullous lesions of skin. In some cases, additional studies such as immunofluorescence tests are required.

Keywords: Bullous lesions of skin, Skin biopsy, Tzanck smears.

How to cite : Madhavi B, Reddy B R, Kumar, Singh R, Cytological and histopathological evaluation of skin lesions with special reference to bullous lesions. IP Arch Cytol Histopathol Res 2016;1(3):108-114

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