Acanthosis nigricans


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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

Acanthosis nigricans is typically detected during a skin exam. Rarely, a small skin sample is removed (biopsied) for examination in a lab. If the cause of acanthosis nigricans is unclear, your doctor may recommend blood tests, X-rays or other tests to look for possible underlying causes.

Treatments and drugs Preparing for your appointment
References
  1. Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 5th ed. Edinburgh, U.K.; New York, N.Y.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..X0001-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-7234-3541-9&uniqId=230100505-57. Accessed March 29, 2012.
  2. Goldstein BG, et al. Metabolic and inherited diseases affecting the skin. http://www.uptodate.com/index.html. Accessed March 29, 2012.
  3. Rose PT. Pigmentary disorders. Medical Clinics of North America. 2009;93:1225.
  4. Owen C. Cutaneous manifestations of internal malignancy. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed March 30, 2012.
DS00653 June 8, 2012

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