BACKGROUND: Solitary epidermolytic acanthoma is thought to be an uncommon lesion. It can present as a solitary, localized or disseminated process that is unrelated to the genetic form of icthyosis. METHODS: A retrospective review of solitary epidermolytic acanthomas was performed at the Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, NY, over a 2 year period. The clinical and histopathological features of solitary epidermolytic acanthomas were described in 64 biopsies from 60 individuals. In situ hybridization for human papillomavirus (HPV) was performed on all genital lesions. RESULTS: The incidence of epidermolytic acanthomas in our series was higher than previously reported (27.8/100,000). Genital location was the most common and the incidence of genital lesions was 8/100,000. In situ hybridization showed no evidence of genital HPV types within the lesions. The histological features of solitary epidermolytic acanthoma were re-evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Genital skin was the most common location for solitary epidermolytic acanthoma, but we found no evidence to suggest a role for genital HPV types. A strong male predominance was noted, and the lesions demonstrate a wide range of clinical and pathological findings.
BACKGROUND: Solitary epidermolytic acanthoma is thought to be an uncommon lesion. It can present as a solitary, localized or disseminated process that is unrelated to the genetic form of icthyosis. METHODS: A retrospective review of solitary epidermolytic acanthomas was performed at the Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, NY, over a 2 year period. The clinical and histopathological features of solitary epidermolytic acanthomas were described in 64 biopsies from 60 individuals. In situ hybridization for human papillomavirus (HPV) was performed on all genital lesions. RESULTS: The incidence of epidermolytic acanthomas in our series was higher than previously reported (27.8/100,000). Genital location was the most common and the incidence of genital lesions was 8/100,000. In situ hybridization showed no evidence of genital HPV types within the lesions. The histological features of solitary epidermolytic acanthoma were re-evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Genital skin was the most common location for solitary epidermolytic acanthoma, but we found no evidence to suggest a role for genital HPV types. A strong male predominance was noted, and the lesions demonstrate a wide range of clinical and pathological findings.