Abstract
CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL CORRELATION OF BENIGN SKIN LESIONS IN A LIMITED RESOURCE SETTING

Skin biopsy is a simple and inexpensive procedure performed in the dermatology setting and histological confirmation is considered by many as the standard for correct diagnosis in dermatology as compared to the clinical evaluation. We conducted a one year study of skin biopsies in our institute with the objectives of clinicopathological correlation of benign skin lesions and to study the spectrum of non neoplastic skin disorders diagnosed at our centre. A one year retrospective study was conducted at Histopathology division, Silchar Medical College and Hospital from October 2015 to November 2016. The histopathological diagnosis of benign skin lesions was reviewed and correlated with clinical diagnosis. Of a total of 146 skin biopsies received during this period, 118 were for benign non timorous conditions and 28 were for tumors ( 13 benign and 15 malignant). Of the benign non tumorous conditions, definitive diagnosis was possible in 82 cases. The most common benign condition was a keratinous cyst. There was positive clinicopathological correlation in 63 cases (53.4%), diagnosis was non specific in 36 cases (30.5%), in 1 case the biopsy material was inadequate (0.8%) and the diagnosis was non concordant in 18 cases(15.3%) . 4 lesions were clinically thought to be malignant, which turned out to be benign on histopathology. The most common non specific finding on HPE was perivascular chronic inflammation. Clinicopathological correlation is of utmost importance in diagnosing benign skin conditions. Providing adequate clinical information along with a team work between dermatologist and the pathologist would lead to increased probability of a correct and definitive diagnosis.