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Case Reports
. 2014 Nov;5(Suppl 1):S36-9.
doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.144527.

Nodular colloid degeneration of the skin: Report of three cases with review and update

Affiliations
Case Reports

Nodular colloid degeneration of the skin: Report of three cases with review and update

Alireza Ghanadan et al. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2014 Nov.

Abstract

Nodular colloid degeneration (NCD) is a rare dermatological disorder and uncommon type of colloid milium. The degeneration may be related to sun exposure. In this report, three cases, all presenting as multiple plaques and nodules over the nose and the face are depicted. Histologically, these nodular masses were homogeneous, with eosinophilic-cleaved materials expanding the papillary dermis and extending into the deep dermis. Periodic acid Schiff (PAS), crystal violet, and methyl-violet stains highlight the colloid material. All the three cases were finally diagnosed as NCD. NCD could be considered in any case with facial nodules and a long history of sun exposure. We suggest the long-term sun exposure as an etiologic factor; thus sun protection would be the most preventive and available treatment.

Keywords: Colloid milium; histochemistry; nodular colloid degeneration.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) A purple nodule with lobulated surface on the nose ala (b) A purple plaque and nodule on the nose (c) Purple plaques with adjacent translucent papules on the right cheek (d) Yellow amorphous structureless areas with accentuated follicular opening
Figure 2
Figure 2
(a) Nodular homogeneous, eosinophilic cleaved materials expanding reticular dermis (H and E, × 10) (b) Cleaved materials with scattered nuclei of fibroblasts among the colloid. (H and E, ×10)
Figure 3
Figure 3
(a) Positive reactivity of colloid materials with PAS staining (H and E, ×10) (b) Positive reactivity of colloid materials with methylviolet staining (H and E, ×10) (c) Positive reactivity of colloid materials with crystal-violet staining (H and E, ×10) (d) Fragmented elastin fibers of nodular colloid presenting in elastin staining (H and E, ×10)

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