SPECTRUM OF SKIN LESIONS AND HISTOPATHOLOGY IN TEACHING INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

Background: Skin biopsy and histopathological examination are necessary for accurate diagnosis to identify
etiological agents and to guide clinicians in deciding appropriate management.
Aim: The present study was carried out to understand the spectrum of various skin lesions and their prevalence in
correlation with age, sex, and site of involvement at a tertiary care teaching institute and hospital to educate
clinicians and the community accordingly after the study results.
Methods: A cross-sectional, non-interventional, retrospective study was carried out on all skin biopsies. Final
diagnoses were made after confirmation by histopathological examination and special stain.
Results: Out of 305 biopsies, leprosy, seborrheic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma, were commonly observed
infective, non-neoplastic and neoplastic, skin lesions, respectively. In this study, the most common age group
involved was >60 years and male preponderance.
Conclusion: Basal cell carcinoma and leprosy were the most commonly observed neoplastic and infective skin
lesions in our study, respectively. Therefore, education should be provided to the community to prevent repeated
exposure of unprotected ultraviolet sun light and airborne droplet transmission and to reduce the prevalence of both
these diseases. To reduce morbidity and plan for preventive strategy due to various skin lesions, we suggest such a
study in different geographical areas.