Pathology · single question
A 51-year-old female has widespread painful non-wipeable white lesions with Civatte bodies on biopsy. What is the diagnosis?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Lichen planus
- A. Incorrect. SCC appears as indurated, irregular masses — not white striated lesions with Civatte bodies.
- B. Incorrect. Melanoma is pigmented from melanocytes, not associated with Civatte bodies.
- C. Correct. Civatte bodies (colloid/hyaline bodies = apoptotic keratinocytes at the basement membrane) are PATHOGNOMONIC for lichen planus. Non-wipeable white lesions + Civatte bodies = definitive lichen planus diagnosis.
- D. Incorrect. Aphthous ulcers are painful round ulcers with yellow floor and red halo; no Civatte bodies.