Definition

Noun: * Acanthosis: A medical term referring to an abnormal but non-cancerous (benign) thickening of the stratum spinosum, which is the prickle-cell layer of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). This thickening is a histological finding, meaning it is observed under a microscope, and is associated with various skin conditions.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The biopsy report noted significant acanthosis, consistent with a diagnosis of chronic eczema.
  • Acanthosis is a common histological feature found in psoriatic skin lesions.
  • The dermatologist explained that the dark, velvety patches were caused by acanthosis nigricans.

Advanced Usage

• "Acanthosis nigricans": This is a specific dermatological condition characterized by acanthosis accompanied by hyperpigmentation (darkening) and a velvety texture of the skin, often occurring in body folds. It is frequently associated with insulin resistance.
  • The presence of acanthosis nigricans on the patient's neck prompted screening for diabetes.

Variants and Related Words

• Acanthotic (adj): Describing tissue that exhibits or is affected by acanthosis.
  • The skin sample showed an acanthotic epidermis.

Synonyms

• Epidermal hyperplasia (specifically of the stratum spinosum)
• Hyperplasia of the prickle-cell layer

Notes on Different Meanings

The term acanthosis is highly specific to dermatology and histopathology. It does not have general or figurative meanings outside of this medical context. It strictly refers to the microscopic anatomical change of increased thickness in a specific skin layer.

Noun

1. an abnormal but benign thickening of the prickle-cell layer of the skin (as in psoriasis)