Vitiligo other diagnostic studies
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]
Overview
The cellular mechanism beneath the vitiligo lesion is the destruction of melanocytes. Therefore, on an histological study, it will be noted the absence of melanocytes on the region of the lesion and possibly lymphocytic infiltrates on its periphery, consistent with the destruction of melanocytes by the immune system.
Other Diagnosis Studies
Histology
Histological examination typically shows an absence of melanocytes in the affected areas of skin. However, it is possible to sometimes identify degenerating melanocytes at the borders of the affected areas. In these patients, normal melanocytes may be found in normal skin areas, yet even in these regions changes such as abnormal keratinocytes may be found, showing evidence of vacuolated cytoplasm in basal layers of the cells and granular extracellular materials.[1] In certain situations it is possible to identify lymphocytic infiltrates on the margin of the lesions, which is consistent with the underlying immunological mechanism destroying the melanocytes.[2]
References
- ↑ Soutor, Carol (2013). Clinical dermatology. New York: McGraw-Hill Education/Lange Medical Books. ISBN 978-0-07-177296-9.
- ↑ Goldsmith, Lowell (2012). Fitzpatrick's dermatology in general medicine. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical. ISBN 0071669043.