Vacuolization is the formation of
vacuoles or vacuole-like structures, within or adjacent to cells.
Perinuclear vacuolization of
epidermal keratinocytes
Keratinocytes are the primary type of cell found in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. In humans, they constitute 90% of epidermal skin cells. Basal cells in the basal layer (''stratum basale'') of the skin are sometimes refer ...
is most likely inconsequential when not observed in combination with other pathologic findings. In
dermatopathology
Dermatopathology (from Greek , ''derma'' 'skin' + , ''pathos'' 'fate, harm' + , ''-logia'' 'study of') is a joint subspecialty of dermatology and pathology or surgical pathology that focuses on the study of cutaneous diseases at a microscopic an ...
"vacuolization" often refers specifically to vacuoles in the
basal cell-basement membrane zone area, where it is an unspecific sign of disease.
[Kumar, Vinay; Fausto, Nelso; Abbas, Abul (2004) ''Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease'' (7th ed.). Saunders. Page 1230. .] It may be a sign of for example
vacuolar interface dermatitis, which in turn has many causes.
It is one of the components of
koilocytosis, which may be present in potentially pre-
cancerous cervical,
oral
The word oral may refer to:
Relating to the mouth
* Relating to the mouth, the first portion of the alimentary canal that primarily receives food and liquid
**Oral administration of medicines
** Oral examination (also known as an oral exam or ora ...
and
anal lesions.
See also
*
Skin lesion
A skin condition, also known as cutaneous condition, is any medical condition that affects the integumentary system—the organ system that encloses the body and includes skin, nails, and related muscle and glands. The major function of this ...
*
Skin disease
A skin condition, also known as cutaneous condition, is any medical condition that affects the integumentary system—the organ system that encloses the body and includes skin, Nail (anatomy), nails, and related muscle and glands. The major funct ...
*
List of skin diseases
References
Dermatologic terminology
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