Histologic Findings
The epidermis shows papillomatous hyperplasia. In the dermis, the numbers of mature sebaceous glands are increased. Ectopic apocrine glands are often found in the deep dermis beneath sebaceous glands.
Frequently, small hair follicles and buds of basaloid cells that may represent malformed hair germs are present.
In childhood, the sebaceous glands in nevus sebaceus are underdeveloped, and the histologic findings may consist of only immature hair structures.
Note the images below:
Mild papillomatosis of the epidermis with sebaceus gland lobules opening directly onto the epidermis.
Mild papillomatosis at high power. Staging
In the early stage, the sebaceous glands and hair follicles are hypoplastic. In the second stage, at puberty, hyperkeratosis and papillomatosis with numerous and hyperplastic sebaceous glands (diagnostic) are present.
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