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Hair cystic skin pathology

These rare cysts are likely to result from a variety of developmental abnormalities depending on the anatomic site. “Cutaneous ciliated cyst of the lower extremity “is the most commonly described variant. This arises almost exclusively in the lower extremity of women.

Histology ciliated skin cyst

In cutaneous ciliated cysts, sections show a dermal-based cyst (figure 1) that is often filled with secretions and debris (figure 2). The cyst is lined by a cuboidal or columnar. epithelium which is ciliated (figures 3 and 4, arrows indicate cilia). There may be areas of scaly metaplasia.

Hair cystic skin pathology

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Figure 1

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Figure 2

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figure 3

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Figure 4

Special studies for ciliated cutaneous cyst

None needed.

Differential diagnosis ciliated skin cyst pathology

Bronchogenic cyst: Often has smooth muscle, glands, and sometimes cartilage in the wall. These usually arise in middle line near the breastbone

Branchial cleft Cyst: Usually squamously lined, but may show foci of ciliated glandular epithelium. Typically the wall shows lymphoid tissue. Smooth muscle and cartilage are also often seen in the wall.