February 24, 2023
Acanthosis is a term pathologists use to describe an area of tissue that has become thicker than normal because it has increased squamous cells. Squamous cells are flat, specialized cells that line and protect various parts of the body, such as the skin, mouth, throat, esophagus, large airways, anal canal, and cervix.
What causes acanthosis?
Acanthosis can occur for several reasons, most commonly as a response to irritation or inflammation. It can also be associated with skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema. Additionally, acanthosis can sometimes be seen on the surface of certain types of tumours, including squamous cell carcinoma, a type of cancer made up of squamous cells.
Is acanthosis serious?
By itself, acanthosis is usually not serious and is considered a non-cancerous change. It often occurs as a protective response to ongoing irritation or inflammation. However, because acanthosis can sometimes appear on the surface of cancerous tumours, your doctor may recommend additional tests or follow-up appointments to ensure there are no underlying concerns.
How is this diagnosis made?
A diagnosis of acanthosis is usually made by examining a biopsy (small tissue sample) under a microscope. Your pathologist looks at the tissue to see if there is an increased number of squamous cells and if the tissue is thicker than usual.
What does acanthosis look like under the microscope?
Under the microscope, tissue affected by acanthosis appears thicker than normal due to an increased number of squamous cells. The squamous cells form extra layers, making the tissue look dense and more prominent than healthy tissue.
About this article
Doctors wrote this article to help you read and understand your pathology report. Contact us if you have questions about this article or your pathology report. For a complete introduction to your pathology report, read this article.
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