Keratinous debris

Keratinous debris can be seen in a number of contexts. It is a nonspecific finding in dermatopathology that should not be over interpreted.

Keratin flakes redirects here.

General

• Seen when the clinican cuts of the superficial aspect of a lesion.

Microscopic

Features:

• Keratinous material - key features.
• No significant quantity of epidermis.
• No dermis.

DDx:

• Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, keratinizing.
• Seborrheic keratosis.
• Actinic keratosis.

Sign out

SKIN LESION, LEFT POSTERIOR THIGH, SHAVE BIOPSY:
- KERATINOUS DEBRIS, FRAGMENTS.

COMMENT:
The underlying tissue cannot be evaluated. Clinical correlation is required.

Alternate

Skin Lesion, Left Forehead, Biopsy:
	- Keratinaeous material with a small amount of epidermis without 
	  significant atypia, not further diagnostic, see comment.

Comment:
The tissue received is very superficial and precludes further diagnostic classification.

The dermal-epidermal junction is not seen in the planes of section. The differential diagnosis includes (but is not limited to) hypertrophic actinic keratosis and well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.  Complete excision of the lesion is recommended.

See also

• Dermatopathology.