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What Does My Lab Test Report Indicate?
Question: Have been having scalp irritation issues (no shedding) from few months. Got a 4 mm punch scalp Biopsy done to figure out the cause. The result state-
No. of follicles - 37, Anagen - 84%, Telogen - 2%, Vellus - 14%
Follicular Units - 16, Average follicles per Unit - 2.31
There is slight decrease in Terminal to Vellus ratio (6.4 to 1). There is variability in shaft diameter with miniaturization and maintenance of associated sebaceous lobules. There is minimal perifollicular lymphocytic inflammation centered on isthmus/infundibulum. PAS staining for fungus is negative.
The terminology of the above result is quite technical. The Derm I saw has not given much info on it. Can you please elaborate more on what the result means? Are these regular results that indicate an early AA. Any recommendations?
Thanks!
No. of follicles - 37, Anagen - 84%, Telogen - 2%, Vellus - 14%
Follicular Units - 16, Average follicles per Unit - 2.31
There is slight decrease in Terminal to Vellus ratio (6.4 to 1). There is variability in shaft diameter with miniaturization and maintenance of associated sebaceous lobules. There is minimal perifollicular lymphocytic inflammation centered on isthmus/infundibulum. PAS staining for fungus is negative.
The terminology of the above result is quite technical. The Derm I saw has not given much info on it. Can you please elaborate more on what the result means? Are these regular results that indicate an early AA. Any recommendations?
Thanks!
Brief Answer:
Androgenetic Aloecia; Topical Minoxidil and Oral Finasteride
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have taken note of your query and I have also reviewed the results.
Results of your scalp biopsy indicate that you have early androgenetic alopecia (AA) as indicated by miniaturization (thinning of hair) and a reduced terminal to vellus hair ratio 6.4 :1 (normal is > 8:1).
Androgenetic alopecia is gradually progressive miniaturization (thinning) of hair follicle and reduction in density of hair from the central part of scalp i.e frontal, middle and vertex part of scalp in males. It may also be associated with recession of anterior hair line and widening and broadening of angles of anterior hair line.
Biopsy is not usually indicated in diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia as it is usually clinically obvious but in some patients with early androgenetic hair loss a biopsy may be ordered by clinician to differentiate from other causes of hair loss.
Management of androgenetic alopecia is by topical 5% minoxidil and Oral finasteride. Goal of treatment is prevention of further progression of thinning and hair loss, therefore, earlier the therapy is initiated better are the results.
Regards
Androgenetic Aloecia; Topical Minoxidil and Oral Finasteride
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have taken note of your query and I have also reviewed the results.
Results of your scalp biopsy indicate that you have early androgenetic alopecia (AA) as indicated by miniaturization (thinning of hair) and a reduced terminal to vellus hair ratio 6.4 :1 (normal is > 8:1).
Androgenetic alopecia is gradually progressive miniaturization (thinning) of hair follicle and reduction in density of hair from the central part of scalp i.e frontal, middle and vertex part of scalp in males. It may also be associated with recession of anterior hair line and widening and broadening of angles of anterior hair line.
Biopsy is not usually indicated in diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia as it is usually clinically obvious but in some patients with early androgenetic hair loss a biopsy may be ordered by clinician to differentiate from other causes of hair loss.
Management of androgenetic alopecia is by topical 5% minoxidil and Oral finasteride. Goal of treatment is prevention of further progression of thinning and hair loss, therefore, earlier the therapy is initiated better are the results.
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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