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Pigmented follicular cyst pathology

Author: Dr Ben Tallon, Dermatologist/Dermatopathologist, Tauranga, New Zealand, 2011.


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This benign lesion is grouped within the cutaneous cysts

Histology of pigmented follicular cyst

Scanning power view demonstrates a unilocular cystic structure within the dermis (Figure 1). Higher power reveals a thin epithelial lining with a retained granular layer (Figures 2 and 3). Within the cyst cavity are loose keratin fragments and numerous pigmented terminal hair shafts (Figures 2 and 3).

Pigmented follicular cyst pathology

Differential diagnosis of pigmented follicular cyst

Vellous hair cyst: In this lesion the cyst cavity contains small vellous hairs lacking pigmentation.

Epidermal inclusion cyst: Hair fragments are absent.

 

References

  • Skin Pathology (2nd edition, 2002). Weedon D
  • Pathology of the Skin (3rd edition, 2005). McKee PH, J. Calonje JE, Granter SR

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