What is Acanthosis Nigricans?

Acanthosis nigricans is an example of a cutaneous syndrome characterized by the presence of dark discoloration in the body fold and in the body creases and skin thickening.

What is the Pathology of Acanthosis Nigricans?

The pathology of acanthosis nigricans is:

-Etiology: The cause of acanthosis nigricans is due to dysfunction of the growth factors mostly those of the endocrine system, which can be obesity-associated, hormonal changes, medication, genetics.

-Genes involved: FGFR3 gene.

-Pathogenesis: The sequence of events that lead to acanthosis nigricans is due to the increased activation of growth factors receptor proteins

-Morphology: The morphology associated with acanthosis nigricans shows thick skin that is dark in color.

-Histology: The histology associated with acanthosis nigricans shows an increased number of squamous cells upon microscopy viewing.

Acanthosis Nigricans. Left axillary involved by acanthosis nigricans. Thomas Habif. Not altered. CC BY-SA 3.0
Acanthosis Nigricans. 13-year-old boy with an 8-year history of generalized hyperpigmentation and velvety thickening of the skin. Based on the history and clinical examination a diagnosis of benign AN was considered. The diagnosis of epidermolytic hyperkeratosis was considered, but was excluded on the basis of negative history and histopathological findings. The patient was treated with oral vitamin A , topical retinoids, and keratolytics. After follow up for one year neither endocrinological nor malignant diseases have developed. Vandana Mehta Rai MD DNB, C Balachandran MD. Not altered. CC BY-SA 3.0
Acanthosis Nigricans. 13-year-old boy with an 8-year history of generalized hyperpigmentation and velvety thickening of the skin. Based on the history and clinical examination a diagnosis of benign AN was considered. The diagnosis of epidermolytic hyperkeratosis was considered, but was excluded on the basis of negative history and histopathological findings. The patient was treated with oral vitamin A , topical retinoids, and keratolytics. After follow up for one year neither endocrinological nor malignant diseases have developed. Vandana Mehta Rai MD DNB, C Balachandran MD. Not altered. CC BY-SA 3.0
Acanthosis Nigricans. 13-year-old boy with an 8-year history of generalized hyperpigmentation and velvety thickening of the skin. Based on the history and clinical examination a diagnosis of benign AN was considered. The diagnosis of epidermolytic hyperkeratosis was considered, but was excluded on the basis of negative history and histopathological findings. The patient was treated with oral vitamin A , topical retinoids, and keratolytics. After follow up for one year neither endocrinological nor malignant diseases have developed. Vandana Mehta Rai MD DNB, C Balachandran MD. Not altered. CC BY-SA 3.0
Acanthosis Nigricans. Histopathological slide of skin lesion under high power field showing features of acanthosis nigricans. A case of squamous cell carcinoma of lung presenting with paraneoplastic type of acanthosis nigricans: Mukherjee S, Pandit S, Deb J, Dattachaudhuri A, Bhuniya S, Bhanja P - Lung India : official organ of Indian Chest Society (2011). Not altered. CC.

How does Acanthosis Nigricans Present?

Patients with acanthosis nigricans typically are both male and female. The age range is general but may occur mostly at the adult age and can occur in children with underlying conditions. The symptoms, features, and clinical findings associated with acanthosis nigricans include hyperpigmentation, hyperkeratosis, excessive roughness, dryness, and itching.

How is Acanthosis Nigricans Diagnosed?

The acanthosis nigricans is diagnosed mainly by physical examination and at some point, a sale of the blood is taken to the ab for further exploration.

How is Acanthosis Nigricans Treated?

Acanthosis nigricans is treated by managing the underlying causes e.g. weight loss, hormonal stabilization, management of diabetes, and treatment of cancer.

What is the Prognosis of Acanthosis Nigricans?

The prognosis of acanthosis nigricans is poor if it is a malignant form with an average survival rate of 2 years.