Pemphigus vulgaris can present with oral lesions. A suprabasal split is characteristic, and acantholysis of individual cells is variable. The epithelium above the basal layer often detaches in an intact manner as is seen in this biopsy. The detached epithelium tends to slough away very soon within the mouth, so a biopsy of a very early lesion or of a fresh, induced lesion (local trauma) may be necessary to demonstrate the diagnostic pathology.
 
 

	Scan power view. The epithelium has detached in a relatively intact fashion above the basal layer.
	Low power view of above.
	Medium power view. The section is overstained. There is a layer of basal cells in the base of the cleft. The inflammatory infiltrate is composed mostly of lymphocytes with a few plasma cells mixed in.

Click on your browser's 'Back' button to return to the previous page.