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Clear cell acanthoma
What is clear cell acanthoma?
Clear cell acanthoma is a rare benign (non-cancerous) epithelial skin tumour. It is usually a solitary lesion appearing on the lower legs but there have been cases of multiple lesions occurring. Clinical features of the lesion include:
- Slightly elevated to dome-shaped plaque or nodule
- Colour varies from pink to brown, but is most commonly blood red and shiny
- Can be from 3 to 20mm in diameter
- Wafer-like crusty scale may be stuck round the edges of the lesion. A moist or bleeding surface may result if scale is removed.
When examined under the microscope (skin biopsy), clear cell acanthoma show a characteristic accumulation of clear glycogen-containing cells in the epidermis.
Clear cell acanthoma are also known as Degos acanthoma or acanthome à cellules claires.
How do you get clear cell acanthoma and who is at risk?
It is currently not known why clear cell acanthoma occur. Although rare, they occur mostly in adults of middle-age or older. Both male and females can be affected.
What treatments are available?
They may persist for years and years without changing or causing any complications. They are easily excised.
Related information
References:
- Book: Textbook of Dermatology. Ed Rook A, Wilkinson DS, Ebling FJB, Champion RH, Burton JL. Fourth edition. Blackwell Scientific Publications.
On DermNet NZ:
Other websites:
- Skin Malignancies, Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Rare Appendageal Tumours – emedicine, the online textbook
Books about skin diseases:
See the DermNet NZ bookstore