Histopathological Study of Skin Lesions in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Skin diseases are much common in developing countries. The spectrum varies accordingto geographic distribution, gender, age, and coexisting disorder. We conducted this study to find outthe prevalence of different skin lesions and to evaluate their frequency and site of distribution. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in the pathology department of KathmanduMedical college from June 2019 to November 2019 after ethical clearance. The skin biopsies wereprocessed, sectioned and stained with Haematoxylin and eosin and evaluated. A conveniencesampling method was used. Data was collected and entry was done in Statistical Packages for SocialServices version 20.0, point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequencyand proportion for binary data. Results: Among 133 skin biopsies examined, noninfectious vesicobullous and vesicopustulardisease were found in 42 (46.6%) cases followed by microbial disease in 22 (24.5%) and noninfectiouserythematous papular and squamous disease in 21 (23.4%) cases. Spongiotic dermatitis was themost common vesicobullous disease seen in 26 (28.9%) cases. Leprosy was the commonest microbialdisease found in 7 (7.8%) cases. The commonest noninfectious erythematous papular and squamousdisease was erythema dyschromicum perstans seen in 7 (7.8%) cases. The commonest neoplasticlesion was keratinocytic tumor seen in 12 (32.5%) cases. The commonest tumor of the skin wasintradermal nevus seen in 6 (16.3%) cases.  Conclusions: Spongiotic dermatitis is a predominating non-neoplastic and overall skin lesion whichwas similar to the other studies done. Histopathological examination is the gold standard for theproper diagnosis as histomorphological features distinguish various skin lesions.