acanthosis

acanthosis /ac·an·tho·sis/ (ak?an-tho´sis) diffuse hyperplasia and thickening of the stratum spinosum of the epidermis.acantholyt´ic

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acanthosis ni´gricans  diffuse velvety acanthosis with dark pigmentation, chiefly in the axillae; it occurs in an adult form, often associated with an internal carcinoma (malignant a. nigricans), and in a benign, nevoid form, more or less generalized. A benign juvenile form associated with obesity, which is sometimes due to endocrine disturbance, is called pseudoacanthosis nigricans.

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ac·an·tho·sis (kn-thss, kn-)

n. pl. ac·an·tho·ses (-sz)

An increase in the thickness of the prickle cell layer of the epidermis; hyperacanthosis.

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acan·thotic (-thtk) adj.

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acanthosis (ak´nthō´sis),

n an increase in the number of cells in the prickle cell layer of stratified squamous epithelium, with thickening of the entire epithelial cell layer and a broadening and fusing of rete pegs.

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acanthosis

an increased thickness of the stratum spinosum, due to either an increased number or hypertrophy of cells.

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frictional acanthosis

see acanthosis nigricans (below).

acanthosis nigricans

a skin disease of dogs characterized by hyperpigmentation, lichenification, seborrhea, and alopecia commencing in the axillae and often spreading to involve flexural surfaces of all limbs, and the ventral body. Dachshunds are particularly predisposed to primary acanthosis, often developing the first changes at a young age. Sporadic cases are secondary to systemic disease, endocrinopathies, hypersensitivity reactions and friction in body folds.