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.

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.

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

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

See also

• Dermatopathology.