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 according
to geographic distribution, gender, age, and coexisting disorder. We conducted this study to find out
the 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 Kathmandu
Medical college from June 2019 to November 2019 after ethical clearance. The skin biopsies were
processed, sectioned and stained with Haematoxylin and eosin and evaluated. A convenience
sampling method was used. Data was collected and entry was done in Statistical Packages for Social
Services version 20.0, point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency
and proportion for binary data.

Results: Among 133 skin biopsies examined, noninfectious vesicobullous and vesicopustular
disease were found in 42 (46.6%) cases followed by microbial disease in 22 (24.5%) and noninfectious
erythematous papular and squamous disease in 21 (23.4%) cases. Spongiotic dermatitis was the
most common vesicobullous disease seen in 26 (28.9%) cases. Leprosy was the commonest microbial
disease found in 7 (7.8%) cases. The commonest noninfectious erythematous papular and squamous
disease was erythema dyschromicum perstans seen in 7 (7.8%) cases. The commonest neoplastic
lesion was keratinocytic tumor seen in 12 (32.5%) cases. The commonest tumor of the skin was
intradermal nevus seen in 6 (16.3%) cases. 

Conclusions: Spongiotic dermatitis is a predominating non-neoplastic and overall skin lesion which
was similar to the other studies done. Histopathological examination is the gold standard for the
proper diagnosis as histomorphological features distinguish various skin lesions.