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Comedonal cyst pathology

Comedones are follicular retention cysts which may open directly to the surface (open comedone or “blackhead”) or have a blocked surface (closed comedone or “whitehead”).

Histology of comedonal cyst

Sections of open comedones show massive follicular dilation (figure 1). The dilated follicles are filled with keratin (figure 2). These may be filled with cellular debris and/or inflammatory cells. Closed comedones do not show a patent follicular channel to the surface (figure 3).

Comedonal cyst pathology

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Special studies for comedonal cyst

None are needed.

Differential diagnosis of comedonal cyst pathology

Solar comedones and Favre-Racouchot – Show massive dermal elastosis.

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Related information

 

References:

• Weedon’s Skin Pathology (Third edition, 2010). David Weedon
• Pathology of the Skin (Fourth edition, 2012). McKee PH, J. Calonje JE, Granter SR

On DermNet NZ:

• Dermatopathology glossary
• Comedones
• Dermatopathology index

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