Acanthoma: Medical Overview

Medical Terminology Guide

Overview Definition Pronunciation Types Clinical Notes

acanthoma

/ˌækænˈθoʊmə/
noun medical term

Basic definition:A benign tumor of the skin characterized by hyperplasia of the prickle-cell layer of the epidermis

Etymology:From Greek "akantha" meaning thorn + "-oma" meaning tumor

📚 Core Definitions

Dermatopathology

A benign epithelial tumor showing excessive keratinocyte proliferation

Acanthoma typically presents as a small, solitary skin lesion.
Acanthoma usually appears as a well-circumscribed growth.
Pathology

Clinical Dermatology

A group of skin lesions with acanthotic features

The acanthoma was excised for histological examination.
Acanthomas are often discovered during routine skin exams.
Clinical

Histological Term

Characterized by thickened stratum spinosum

Acanthoma shows irregular epidermal hyperplasia.
Acanthomas demonstrate benign keratinocyte proliferation.
Histology

"Acanthoma" is a histological term describing various benign skin tumors. While generally harmless, some types may require excision for definitive diagnosis.

🔄 Usage Comparison

Medical Examples

The acanthoma was confirmed by biopsy.

Several types of acanthomas exist.

This acanthoma case showed typical histology.

Clinical Context

Biopsy-proven acanthoma

Classification of acanthoma subtypes

Characteristic acanthoma features

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

Standard Pronunciation

/ˌækænˈθoʊmə/

ak-an-THO-muh

Alternative

/əˈkænθəmə/

uh-KAN-thuh-muh

Pronunciation Key:

Common Errors

  • Pronouncing as "a-CAN-tho-ma" (incorrect stress)
  • Omitting the "n" sound in "acanth"
  • Mispronouncing the "th" as hard "t"

🎯 Major Types

Clear cell acanthoma

Pale-staining epidermal tumor

Clear cell acanthoma shows glycogen-rich cells.
Clear cell variant typically occurs on legs.
Distinctive

Lichenoid acanthoma

With lymphocytic infiltrate

Lichenoid acanthoma resembles lichen planus.
Lichenoid type shows interface dermatitis.
Inflammatory

Degos acanthoma

Rare variant with specific histology

Degos acanthoma has characteristic features.
Degos type is extremely uncommon.
Rare

Terminology Notes

Singular: acanthoma
Plural: acanthomas or acanthomata

⚠️ Diagnostic Considerations

Differential Diagnosis:

All acanthomas are premalignant. (Incorrect)

Correct:Most acanthomas are benign.

Acanthoma requires aggressive treatment. (Incorrect)

Correct:Simple excision is usually curative.

✍️ Clinical Review

Case Studies

1. A 45-year-old male presents with a 5mm acanthoma on the thigh.
2. Histology confirmed clear cell acanthoma.
3. The acanthoma was completely excised with clear margins.

1. Typical acanthoma presentation

2. Specific subtype identification

3. Standard treatment approach

Terminology Practice

Complete the terms:

• Acanthoma with clear cells = ______ acanthoma
• Acanthoma resembling lichen planus = ______ acanthoma
• Rare acanthoma variant = ______ acanthoma

• Clear cell acanthoma

• Lichenoid acanthoma

• Degos acanthoma

True or False

Mark correct statements:

1. All acanthomas are malignant.
2. Acanthomas require chemotherapy.
3. Clear cell acanthoma is most common on palms.

1. False - Most are benign

2. False - Excision is sufficient

3. False - Typically occurs on legs