wlle

the damaze is spotty in character with areag of damage surrounded by rela~
tively ncrmal tissue.
The histcpathological changes induced in the skin by faliout in the
Marshallese lesions were studied in section of a number of biopsies taken
during the first 7 weeks, at 6 months and at 2 years.
changes can be found elsewhere (Conard et al.).
seen are summarized below.

Details of these

Some of the major chanjes

During the early,acute period of the lesions,

the epidermis showed marked damage characterized by atrophy and flattening
cf the rete pegs with disorganization of malpigian and basal layers and
marked cellular changes (pleomorphic nuclei, pyknosis and cytoplasmic halos).
Additional features were atrophy or absence of the stratum granulosun, im
perfect keratinization, and loose fibrillation and hyperkeratosis of the
stratum corneum.

Celis laden with pigment were frequently present through~

out the epidermis.

In the dermis the changes were largely confined to the

upper part with edema, telangiectasis of vessels with perivascular infile
tration of lymphocytes.

Chromatophores filled with melanin were prominent.

Fig. 10 shows scme of these changes in a pigmented legion biopsied 3 weeka
after exposure.

By six months there was ccnsiderable improvement in the histological

appearance of the lesions.
in virying degrees:

The following changes were found to persist

focal atrophy of the stratum granulosum, slight focai

pigmentary disturbances in cells of the basal layer, and slight disturbances
in polarity of the epithelial cells in basal papiliary projections.

In the

dermis, telangiectasis of slight to moderate degree persisted.
At two years, biopsies at sites of persistent gross abnormalities re=-

vealed that none of the lesions were neoplastic or showed alterations suggestive of a precancerous condition,

In scme sections, acanthosis, absence

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