clear cell acanthoma

What is Clear Cell Acanthoma?

Clear cell acanthoma (CCA) is a rare, benign epithelial skin tumor that typically appears on the lower legs of middle-aged and elderly individuals [1]. It is also known as Degos acanthoma or acanthome à cellules claires.

Clinical Features

CCA usually presents as a solitary, firm, brown-red dome-shaped nodule or papule, 5-10 mm or more in diameter [2]. The lesion may be surrounded by a fine epidermal collarette and can have a peripheral epidermal collarette or superimposed serous exudate [15].

Histological Characteristics

The tumor is composed of pale-staining, glycogenated keratinocytes with a sharp demarcation between the CCA and the normal epidermis [5]. The lesion typically shows regular acanthosis of the epidermis and a clear cell appearance due to the accumulation of glycogen in the keratinocytes [4].

Other Characteristics

CCA is usually asymptomatic, but occasionally patients may present multiple lesions. The tumor can appear on other sites such as the trunk, forearm, face, inguinal area, nipple, and areola, although these cases are rare [10]. In some instances, a morphologic variant of CCA known as the "giant form" has been described [11].

References

[1] Degos et al. (1962) - First description of clear cell acanthoma [2] Search result 2 - Clinical features of CCA [4] Search result 4 - Histological characteristics of CCA [5] Search result 5 - Composition of CCA [10] Search result 10 - Other sites where CCA can appear [11] Search result 11 - Giant form of CCA [15] Search result 15 - Clinical features and histology of CCA

Clear Cell Acanthoma Signs and Symptoms

Clear cell acanthoma, also known as pale cell acanthoma or Degos acanthoma, is a rare benign skin tumor that typically presents with the following signs and symptoms:

• Solitary lesion: Clear cell acanthoma usually appears as a single, well-circumscribed bump on the skin.
• Location: The lesion is most commonly found on the lower extremities, but can also occur on the trunk, forearm, face, inguinal area, nipple, and areola. [10][12]
• Size: Clear cell acanthoma can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. [11]
• Color: The lesion is typically pink or flesh-colored, with a smooth or slightly scaly surface. [11]
• Shape: Clear cell acanthoma can appear as a dome-shaped or flat-topped bump on the skin.
• Moisture: Some cases of clear cell acanthoma may present with a moist appearance.

It's essential to note that clear cell acanthoma is a benign condition, and most people experience no symptoms other than the physical presence of the lesion. If you're concerned about a skin lesion or have questions about clear cell acanthoma, consult a dermatologist for proper evaluation and advice.

References:

[10] - Clear cell acanthoma is a rare benign (non-cancerous) epithelial skin tumour. [11] - Characteristics of Clear Cell Acanthoma: Appearance, Size, Color, Shape [12] - Clear cell acanthoma (CCA), also known as “Degos acanthoma” and “acanthome cellules Claires of Degos and Civatte,” was first described by Degos et al. in 1962.

Diagnostic Tests for Clear Cell Acanthoma

Clear cell acanthoma, a rare benign skin tumor, can be diagnosed through various diagnostic tests. Here are some of the common methods used to diagnose this condition:

• Physical Examination: A dermatologist will assess the characteristics of the skin lesion, including its size, color, and texture [13].
• Dermoscopy: Dermoscopy is an excellent diagnostic test for clear cell acanthoma, as it shows a highly characteristic pattern of glomerular or punctiform vessels arranged in linear patterns [1][2][9]. This test can aid in the diagnosis by revealing a pearl necklace appearance.
• Skin Biopsy: A small sample of the lesion will be taken for histopathological examination to confirm the diagnosis [13].
• Video-Dermatoscopy: Video-dermatoscopy has been introduced as a modern method for diagnosing clear cell acanthoma, highlighting homogeneous pinpoint-vessels [6].

These diagnostic tests can help dermatologists diagnose clear cell acanthoma accurately. It's essential to consult a dermatologist if you suspect you have this condition.

References:

[1] DG Cunha (2018) - Dermoscopy is an excellent diagnostic test for clear cell acanthoma. [2] DG Cunha (2018) - The test shows glomerular or punctiform vessels arranged in linear patterns. [6] F Șandru - Video-dermatoscopy has been introduced as a modern method for diagnosing clear cell acanthoma. [9] DG Cunha (2018) - Dermoscopy is an excellent diagnostic test, since it shows a highly characteristic pattern. [13] Diagnosis of Clear Cell Acanthoma: To diagnose clear cell acanthoma, a dermatologist will typically perform the following.

Treatment Options for Clear Cell Acanthoma

Clear cell acanthoma, also known as Degos acanthoma or acanthome à cellules claires, is a rare benign skin tumour that can be treated with various methods. While most cases do not require treatment, some may benefit from medical intervention to alleviate symptoms or improve appearance.

Topical and Oral Medications

While there are no specific medications approved for the treatment of clear cell acanthoma, some studies suggest that topical corticosteroids or oral retinoids may be effective in reducing symptoms. However, these treatments are not universally recommended and should only be considered under the guidance of a dermatologist.

• Topical corticosteroids: These creams or ointments can help reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort associated with clear cell acanthoma (1).
• Oral retinoids: In some cases, oral retinoids may be prescribed to treat symptoms such as redness and scaling (2).

Surgical and Ablative Therapies

The most common treatment for clear cell acanthoma is surgical excision. This involves removing the affected area with a margin of healthy skin around it.

• Surgical excision: This is considered the gold standard treatment for clear cell acanthoma, offering a high success rate in resolving symptoms (3-5).
• Cryotherapy: Freezing the affected area can also be an effective treatment option, although multiple sessions may be required to achieve desired results (6).

Other Treatment Options

In some cases, other treatments such as curettage and electrofulguration or shave excision may be considered.

• Curettage and electrofulguration: This procedure involves removing the affected area with a curette followed by application of electrical current to destroy any remaining cells (7).
• Shave excision: A less invasive surgical option that involves shaving off the affected area (8).

Conclusion

While clear cell acanthoma is generally a benign condition, treatment may be necessary in some cases to alleviate symptoms or improve appearance. Surgical excision remains the most common and effective treatment option, but other methods such as topical corticosteroids, oral retinoids, cryotherapy, curettage and electrofulguration, or shave excision may also be considered under the guidance of a dermatologist.

References:

(1) [Search result 12]

(2) [Search result 13]

(3) [Search result 10]

(4) [Search result 11]

(5) [Search result 14]

(6) [Search result 15]

(7) [Search result 16]

(8) [Search result 17]

Differential Diagnosis of Clear Cell Acanthoma

Clear cell acanthoma, a rare benign epithelial skin tumor, requires careful consideration of differential diagnoses to ensure accurate identification and treatment. The following conditions are commonly considered in the differential diagnosis of clear cell acanthoma:

• Pyogenic granuloma: A vascular lesion that can mimic the appearance of clear cell acanthoma [8][10].
• Benign lichenoid keratosis: A skin condition characterized by small, flat bumps that can be confused with clear cell acanthoma [4][10].
• Inflamed seborrheic keratosis: A benign growth on the skin that can resemble clear cell acanthoma in appearance and location [2][6][10].
• Squamous cell carcinoma: A type of skin cancer that can be difficult to distinguish from clear cell acanthoma, particularly in its early stages [5][11].
• Basal cell carcinoma: Another type of skin cancer that may be considered in the differential diagnosis of clear cell acanthoma [6][11].
• Eccrine poroma: A rare tumor of the sweat glands that can be confused with clear cell acanthoma [10].
• Amelanotic melanoma: A type of skin cancer that lacks pigment and can be challenging to distinguish from clear cell acanthoma [3][11].
• Psoriasis: A chronic autoimmune condition that can present with lesions similar to those seen in clear cell acanthoma, particularly in its erythematous form [12].

It is essential for dermatologists and healthcare professionals to consider these differential diagnoses when evaluating patients with suspected clear cell acanthoma. Accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent mismanagement and ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

References:

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