Clear cell acanthoma of Degos

Latest update 15/03/11

This chapter is set out as follows: 

• Aetiology
• History
• Clinical findings
• Management

Aetiology

• Unknown

History

• Age - usually affects adults
• Can be asymptomatic although surface oozing is not uncommon

Clinical findings

• Normally solitary but occasionally multiple lesions arise
• Distribution – lower legs most commonly affected site
• Appearance of lesions (morphology)
  • Pink-red, occasionally brown
  • Plaque-like or nodular
  • Size varies from 3-20mm in diameter
  • Abrupt margin
  • A thin peripheral scale, which leaves a moist or bleeding surface when removed
  • Vascular puncta may be visible on the surface  

Management

• These rare lesions are normally excised to obtain a diagnosis
• Lesions are benign and so once diagnosed no further treatment is needed

	Figure 1 - Clear cell acanthoma
	Figure 2 - Clear cell acanthoma Vascular puncta present (arrow)