Long-term follow-up study of clear cell papulosis

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2010 Aug;63(2):266-73. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2009.08.056. Epub 2010 Jun 3.

Abstract

Background: Clear cell papulosis (CCP) was described as a new entity in 1987. Since then, only case reports or small case series have appeared in the literature and the long-term outcome of CCP remains unknown.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to review cases of CCP diagnosed at our institution and to investigate their outcome.

Methods: Nineteen patients given a diagnosis of CCP more than 6 years previously were identified. Their medical records and histopathologic findings were reviewed.

Results: With a median follow-up duration of 11.5 years, regression of skin lesions was observed in 85.7% of patients. Persistence of skin lesions 11.5 years after diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically in one case, with a reduction in clear cell density.

Limitations: Retrospective nature of the study is a limitation.

Conclusion: No treatment is necessary for CCP because the skin lesions are asymptomatic and most patients experience at least partial regression.

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoembryonic Antigen / metabolism
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hypopigmentation / metabolism
  • Hypopigmentation / pathology*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Mucin-1 / metabolism
  • Paget Disease, Extramammary / pathology
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Skin / metabolism
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Skin Diseases, Papulosquamous / metabolism
  • Skin Diseases, Papulosquamous / pathology*
  • Staining and Labeling
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Carcinoembryonic Antigen
  • Mucin-1