Here on this page, we will take a look at Acanthosis Cervix and any information around it.
Acanthosis Cervix
Definition / general
- Benign polypoid lesion composed of a single papillary frond with a central fibrovascular core and mature squamous epithelium
Essential features
- Composed of a single papillary frond with a central fibrovascular core and mature squamous epithelium without complex arborizing architecture, acanthosis or cellular atypia (koilocytes)
Epidemiology
- Usually women of reproductive age
Sites
- Lower genital tract (vagina, vulva, less commonly in cervix)
Etiology
- Unrelated to HPV infection
- Predisposing factors unknown
Clinical features
- Usually asymptomatic but may be associated with burning or dyspareunia
Diagnosis
- Composed of a single papillary frond with a central fibrovascular core and mature squamous epithelium
- Lacks the complex arborizing architecture, acanthosis and cellular atypia of koilocytes
Treatment
- Excision is curative
Gross description
- May be single or multiple polypoid lesions, usually 5 mm or less
Microscopic (histologic) description
- Composed of a single papillary frond with a central fibrovascular core and mature hyperplastic squamous epithelium
- Lacks koilocytic features: complex arborizing architecture, acanthosis, cellular atypia, mitosis
Cytology description
- Usually negative for abnormal / atypical cells