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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Acanthosis and Acantholysis?

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Acanthosis and acantholysis are two skin conditions related to the epidermis, but they have distinct differences:

  • Acanthosis: This condition is characterized by the thickening of the epidermis, which can be caused by increased thickness of the malpighian layer. Acanthosis is prominent in diseases such as malignant melanoma, papillomatosis, and hyperkeratosis.
  • Acantholysis: This condition involves the loss of intercellular connections, such as desmosomes, resulting in the loss of cohesion between keratinocytes. Acantholysis can be seen in diseases such as pemphigus vulgaris and related disorders.

In summary, the key difference between acanthosis and acantholysis is that acanthosis refers to the thickened epidermis, while acantholysis refers to the separation of keratinocytes within the epidermis due to the loss of adhesion between them.

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  • What is the Difference Between Acanthosis and Acantholysis?
  • Comparative Table: Acanthosis vs Acantholysis

    • Comparative Table: Acanthosis vs Acantholysis

    Here is a table comparing the differences between acanthosis and acantholysis:

    Feature Acanthosis Acantholysis
    Definition Acanthosis is the thickening of the epidermis and elongation of the rete ridges due to increased thickness of the malpighian layer (stratum basale and stratum spinosum). Acantholysis is the separation of keratinocytes within the epidermis due to the loss of adhesion between keratinocytes.
    Pathophysiology Acanthosis is also referred to as epidermal hyperplasia and can be regular with rete ridges of similar length or irregular. Acantholysis occurs due to failure of the integrity of the intercellular/intraepidermal cell connections, leading to separation of the epithelial cells with swelling of the epithelial cells ('ballooning').
    Clinical Significance Acanthosis nigricans is a type of acanthosis characterized by dark, coarse, and thickened skin with a velvety texture, symmetrically distributed on the neck, axillae, antecubital and popliteal fossae, and groin folds. Acantholysis can be seen in diseases such as pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, and related disorders.
    Histopathology In acanthosis, thickening of the epidermis and elongation of the rete ridges are seen histopathologically. In acantholysis, histopathology reveals suprabasal clefting and separation of the epithelial cells.
    Treatment Treatment for acanthosis nigricans may include retinoids and metformin. Treatment for acantholysis-related diseases depends on the underlying cause and may include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or other medications.

    Both acanthosis and acantholysis are skin conditions related to the epidermis, but they have distinct differences in their pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.