Light-cell acanthoma: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Clear cell acanthoma is a benign tumor of the epidermis, regarding which it belongs to true tumor processes, there is no consensus. According to some data, the pathological condition is probably based on disturbances in the processes of epithelial cell maturation. The tumor most often occurs in elderly people in the form of a solitary nodule with a diameter of 0.5-2.0 cm on a wide base, slightly infiltrated, pink in color with peeling on the surface, localized mainly on the extremities, more often on the shins. Clinically, differentiation from the non-pigmented form of melanoma is very important.

Pathomorphology of clear cell acanthoma. The tumor consists of light, edematous spiny cells containing a large amount of glycogen and unchanged nuclei. Spongiosis, parakeratosis, absence or scarcity of the granular layer are noted. Melanogenesis is reduced, melanocytes can only be detected by the Masson-Fontana method. In the dermis under these areas, vascular dilation and minor inflammatory infiltration are noted. Cases of malignancy have not been described, the tumor is clearly demarcated from adjacent areas of the epidermis.

Histogenesis. Electron microscopic examination revealed a lot of glycogen and very few cellular organelles in tumor cells, which indicates a disruption of cellular metabolism and cell maturation. Some authors have found a blockade of melanosome transformation in melanocytes in clear cell acanthoma. Most authors believe that this is not a tumor, but a local hyperplastic process.

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