Abstract: Sclerosing disorders of the skin consist of a heterogeneous spectrum of entities that share in common cutaneous sclerosis with excessive local accumulation of collagen and/or other extracellular matrix components in the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, and/or underlying soft tissues. The clinical course of these diseases varies from benign disease with a localized skin involvement to systemic, life-threatening disorders. Thus, a correct diagnosis is extremely significant as these disorders are very different in terms of pathogenesis, course, treatment, and outcome. Although they have sclerosis as an overlapping feature, other histopathological features, such as sclerosis depth, hyalinization, mucin deposition, sclerotic bodies, and fibroblastic proliferation, may provide clues to a more specific diagnosis. In doubtful cases, clinicopathologic correlation, immunohistochemical staining, and other laboratory data may be required to arrive at a proper diagnosis.
*Associate Professor of Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, American University of Beirut-Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon; and
†Professor of Dermatology and Pathology, Head, Dermatopathology Section, Vice Chairman, Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA.
Reprints: Jag Bhawan, MD, Dermatopathology Section, Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, 609 Albany Street, J-309, Boston, MA 02118-2415 (e-mail: jbhawan@bu.edu).
All authors and staff in a position to control the content of this CME activity and their spouses/life partners (if any) have disclosed that they have no financial relationships with, or financial interests in, any commercial organizations pertaining to this educational activity.
