Description

Lichenoid (interface) dermatoses constitute one of the most common groups of inflammatory diseases af ecting the skin. Numerous cutaneous inflammatory diseases are characterized by interface change and the histological eatures of many conditions often overlap. This makes the histological diagnosis of this group of dermatoses challenging, and not uncommonly, difficult. The problem is further compounded by the act that early cutaneous T cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides) also presents with pathological changes at the dermoepidermal junction. However, as with all inflammatory skin disorders, useful information can almost always be provided by histology if careful attention is paid to the constellation of epidermal changes and the pattern of inflammation. This should always be complemented by close clinicopathological correlation. This short review presents a guideline to the histological evaluation of inflammatory processes with interface change.