Skin lesion: Difference between revisions
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A skin lesion is a superficial growth or patch of the skin that does not resemble the area surrounding it. They may take the form of bumps, blisters, or general sores. While many are benign (such as moles or freckles) some are the result of toxins (such as [[mosquito]] bites) or diseases (such as [[Chicken_pox|chicken pox]] or [[psoriasis]]) |
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Most [[dermatoses]] present with '''skin lesions''' of more or less distinct characteristics. Macroscopically, these original lesions are known as the "primary lesion", and identification of such lesions is "...the most important aspect of dermatologic examination."<ref name="Andrews">James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). ''Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology'' (10th ed.). Saunders. Page 15. ISBN 0721629210.</ref> However, these lesions may continue to develop or be modified by regression or trauma, producing "secondary lesions".<ref name="Andrews" /> Additionally, on the microscopic level, these lesions can also be characterized by a distinct set of vocabulary.<ref name="Kumar">Kumar, Vinay; Fausto, Nelso; Abbas, Abul (2004) ''Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease'' (7th ed.). Saunders. Page 1230. ISBN 0721601871.</ref> |
Most [[dermatoses]] present with '''skin lesions''' of more or less distinct characteristics. Macroscopically, these original lesions are known as the "primary lesion", and identification of such lesions is "...the most important aspect of dermatologic examination."<ref name="Andrews">James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). ''Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology'' (10th ed.). Saunders. Page 15. ISBN 0721629210.</ref> However, these lesions may continue to develop or be modified by regression or trauma, producing "secondary lesions".<ref name="Andrews" /> Additionally, on the microscopic level, these lesions can also be characterized by a distinct set of vocabulary.<ref name="Kumar">Kumar, Vinay; Fausto, Nelso; Abbas, Abul (2004) ''Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease'' (7th ed.). Saunders. Page 1230. ISBN 0721601871.</ref> |
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Revision as of 16:27, 29 August 2009
A skin lesion is a superficial growth or patch of the skin that does not resemble the area surrounding it. They may take the form of bumps, blisters, or general sores. While many are benign (such as moles or freckles) some are the result of toxins (such as mosquito bites) or diseases (such as chicken pox or psoriasis)
Most dermatoses present with skin lesions of more or less distinct characteristics. Macroscopically, these original lesions are known as the "primary lesion", and identification of such lesions is "...the most important aspect of dermatologic examination."[1] However, these lesions may continue to develop or be modified by regression or trauma, producing "secondary lesions".[1] Additionally, on the microscopic level, these lesions can also be characterized by a distinct set of vocabulary.[2]
Lack of standardization
The lack of standardization of basic dermatologic terminology has been one of the principal barriers to successful communication among physicians in describing skin lesions.[3] For example, in different dermatologic texts, the papule is variously described as no greater than 1cm in size, less than 0.5cm, smaller than a pea, or ranging in size from a pinhead to that of a split pea.[3] In 1987, the International League of Dermatologic Societies published a glossary of basic lesions that has been a step towards standardization of this basic nomenclature[4], but there is still no strict set of definitions that have been universally agreed upon.[3]
Macroscopic nomenclature
Primary lesions
- Macule (small) and Patch (large)
- Papule (small) and Plaque (large)
- Vesicle (small) and Bulla (large)
- Pustule
- Nodule
- Wheal
- Erosion
- Ulcer
- Telangiectasia
- Burrow
Secondary lesions
Microscopic nomenclature
- Hyperkeratosis
- Parakeratosis
- Hypergranulosis
- Acanthosis
- Papillomatosis
- Dyskeratosis
- Acantholysis
- Spongiosis
- Hydropic swelling
- Exocytosis
- Vacuolization
- Erosion
- Ulceration
- Lentiginous
Evolution
While most dermatoses present with skin lesions of more or less distinct characteristics, skin lesions do evolve through time.[5]
See also
References
- ^ a b James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology (10th ed.). Saunders. Page 15. ISBN 0721629210.
- ^ Kumar, Vinay; Fausto, Nelso; Abbas, Abul (2004) Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease (7th ed.). Saunders. Page 1230. ISBN 0721601871.
- ^ a b c Freedberg, et al. (2003). Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill Professional. Page 13. ISBN 0071380760.
- ^ Winkelmann, R.K. International League of Dermatologic Societies Committee on Nomenclature. Glossary of basic dermatologic lesions. Acta Derm Venereol Suppl 130, (Stockh), 1987.
- ^ Rapini, Ronald P. (2005). Practical dermatopathology. Elsevier Mosby. ISBN 0-323-01198-5.