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2026, Number 1

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Dermatología Cosmética, Médica y Quirúrgica 2026; 24 (1)

Histopathological examination in trichology: experience at a referral center

Patiño GLG, Pérez ABM, Sánchez DLE, Sánchez TK, López YBA

Language: Spanish
References: 12
Page: 9-14
PDF size: 352.04 Kb.


ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The hair and scalp have a significant psychosocial impact, and the wide spectrum of conditions affecting this area represents a diagnostic challenge in clinical practice. Histopathological examination is a fundamental tool in trichology, particularly in cases of diagnostic uncertainty or suspected scarring alopecias.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational, descriptive, and retrospective study was conducted at the Instituto Dermatológico de Jalisco “Dr. José Barba Rubio”. Scalp biopsies performed between 2021 and 2025 were reviewed, assessing the clinical indications for biopsy and the corresponding definitive histopathological diagnoses.
RESULTS: Out of 25,100 cutaneous biopsies, 335 (1.3%) were related to diseases of the scalp and hair. Female patients predominated (70.1%), with a mean age of 45 years. Clinicopathological correlation was observed in 65.4% of cases. Scarring alopecias were more frequent in adults, whereas non-scarring alopecias predominated in the pediatric population. The most common histopathological diagnosis was psoriasis (31.9%), and lichen planopilaris (18.2%) was the most frequently reported scarring alopecia.
CONCLUSION: Scalp biopsy is a key diagnostic tool in the evaluation of hair and scalp disorders, as it improves diagnostic accuracy and assists in guiding clinical management, particularly in cases of scarring alopecia.


REFERENCES

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