Histopathological spectrum of skin lesions in a tertiary health care centre – A retrospective study

Abstract

Skin is the body’s largest and most complex organ, performing a wide range of functions. Environmental factors, genetics, cleanliness standards and social norms all influence the type of skin lesions that exist in different countries and regions. The skin lesions can vary from inflammatory to neoplastic. In clinically alike dermatoses, skin biopsy is used to provide significant information to the pathologist and dermatologist. The aim of the study is to identify and discuss the histopathology of different types of skin lesions, as well as their prevalence, age, sex distribution and location of lesions among hospital patients and compare the results with other relevant studies. The study was a retrospective observational study undertaken for the duration of three years in the Pathology Department of a tertiary health care center. Skin biopsy slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin were studied and classified after a detailed histopathological study under light microscope. 178 cases of skin lesions in total were evaluated having a 1.5:1 male to female ratio. Nonneoplastic lesions constituted 30.33% of skin lesions, while benign and malignant tumors constituted 55.05% and 14.6% of skin lesions respectively. In neoplastic lesions, keratinocytic tumors were the most common tumor type. The most common malignant tumor was squamous cell carcinoma, whereas epidermal inclusion cyst was the most prevalent benign tumor. The head and neck were the most prevalent sites for skin lesions. Most of the skin lesions can be accurately diagnosed by histopathological evaluation of biopsy of lesions in combination with clinical findings.