SPECTRUM OF HYPERPIGMENTED LESIONS OF SKIN IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL (GMC JAMMU)

Background: Hyperpigmented skin lesions encompass a wide spectrum of conditions, ranging from benign to malignant. Histopathological evaluation is essential for confirming diagnoses, differentiating between melanocytic and non-melanocytic lesions, and ruling out malignancies. Aim: To study the spectrum of hyperpigmented skin lesions in a tertiary care hospital and establish a correlation between clinical presentations and histopathological findings. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, Government Medical College, Jammu, from January 2023 to June 2023. A total of 50 skin biopsy samples of hyperpigmented lesions, irrespective of age and sex, were included. Tissue samples were processed, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and examined histopathologically. Data were analyzed and tabulated. Results: Out of the 50 cases studied, 42 (84%) were non-neoplastic, and 7 (14%) were neoplastic. The most commonly affected age group was individuals over 60 years, with a male preponderance. Among non-neoplastic lesions, lichen planus was the most frequent (24%), followed by discoid lupus erythematosus and morphea (16% each). Among neoplastic lesions, basal cell carcinoma was the most common (8%), followed by melanoma (6%). Conclusion: Both melanocytic and non-melanocytic lesions  can present as Pigmented Skin Lesions among any age group. Histopathological confirmation is imperative whenever a pigmented lesion  clinically mimicking melanoma is encountered  as many of these may turn out to be non-  melanocytic and other benign melanocytic lesions on biopsy giving reassurance to the patient. A complete clinical diagnosis assists  the histopathologist to give an accurate report.