AnÃlise histolÃgica de melanÃcitos: a influÃncia da exposiÃÃo

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2009

RESUMO

Introduction: It is believed that sun exposure can change the number, distribution and morphology of melanocytes in human skin, often challenging the correct interpretation of skin biopsies, especially in the determination of initial intraepithelial melanocytic lesions and the assessment of resection margins. Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the density, distribution and morphology of melanocytes in sun-exposed skin. Methodology: 60 skin biopsy specimens obtained from the forearm (sun-exposed skin) and the buttock (covered skin) from cadavers of the ServiÃo de VerificaÃÃo de Ãbitos - Recife / Pernambuco were submitted to histological analysis. Statistical calculations were performed in SPSS for Windows version 12.0 - Statistical Package for Social Science. Results: There was great variability in melanocyte density in the samples from the forearm and buttock regions, with a higher concentration of these cells in the sun-exposed areas (p<0,001). There was also an irregular distribution of melanocytes along the epidermal basal layer, with occasional cells being arranged side by side. This confluence was identified more frequently in specimens with greater cellularity and in sun-exposed areas (p=0,035), and did not excede more than 4 adjacent melanocytes. Cytological atypia was found in 40% of the samples from sun-exposed skin, and was absent in the covered areas. Nesting of melanocytes and pagetoid spread were not seen. Conclusion: There is great variability in the density and distribution of melanocytes in human skin. The presence of cytological atypia and cell confluence should not be used alone as criteria for the definition of a neoplastic lesion.

ASSUNTO(S)

melanÃcitos morphology melanocytes density anatomia patologica e patologia clinica morfologia densidade

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