Scalp Biopsy Specimens: Transverse vs Vertical Sections

Abstract

Recurrence rate of superficial basal cell carcinoma following successful treatment with imiquimod 5% cream: interim 2-year results from an ongoing 5-year follow-up study in Europe.

The current state of play in the histopathologic assessment of alopecia: two for one or one for two?

“…An additional reported advantage of this method was a decrease in the rate of recut requests, thereby saving laboratory time and expense. Subsequent groups, including ourselves, have since reported equally positive results after following similar protocols and in accordance with the 2001 consensus conference of the North American Hair Research Society, it was agreed that a combination of transverse and vertical sectioning should be the standard practice in the histopathologic assessment of alopecia where two specimens are available …”

Clinical and histological characterization of hair coat and glandular tissue of Chinese crested dogs

“…We could not use this method for the skin samples from the Chinese crested dogs because in all the dysplastic hair follicles the isthmus was missing. In addition, Garcia and Poletti came to the conclusion that both vertical and horizontal sections are adequate for the diagnosis of scarring and nonscarring alopecia. In other breeds, different cycle stages of hair follicles are present.…”

Prospective histologic examinations in patients who practice traumatic hairstyling

“…The scalp biopsy specimens were examined by both authors in vertical sections. Vertical sections have been shown to be as effective as horizontal sections for diagnosing scarring alopecia 15,16 . Histologic examination of the biopsies was performed using hematoxylin and eosin stain and acid orcein Giemsa stain, as elastic fiber stains have been shown to be useful in the evaluation of scarring alopecia 17 .…”