Hi, I got a scalp biopsy a couple months ago and the results came in that I had a "normal scalp" with "subtle features of Alopecia Areata." I previously suspected Androgenetic Alopecia due to diffuse thinning, but after receiving a diagnosis of Alopecia Areata I've read that it can present in a diffuse pattern. Would the scalp biopsy also have determined whether or not I have Androgenetic Alopecia or can you not diagnose Androgenetic Alopecia by doing a scalp biopsy? I just want to make sure that I just have AA and not Androgenetic Alopecia as well. I mean, I know you can tell if someone has Telogen Effluvium or one of the scarring alopecias, but can you even tell if it's Androgenetic Alopecia? Hopefully someone knows the answer to this. Thanks.
Can a scalp biopsy determine if one is suffering from Androgenetic Alopecia?
- Thread starter NYgirl81
- Start date
Peach Fuzz
New Member
- Reaction score
- 0
I have read that scalp biopsies can be used pretty effectively in presenting a differential diagnosis, so yes, they should be able to determine the causes of your hair loss. Depending on the results of the biopsy, there would be characteristics seen in the sample that would suggest whether you have Telogen Effluvium or Alopcia Areata or Androgenetic Alopecia, or even combinations of conditions.
My understanding is that in Androgenetic Alopecia, a biopsy shows increased numbers of miniaturized hairs, and abundant, perhaps even enlarged sebaceous glands. Ratios of terminal hairs to miniaturized hairs can also be significant in a diagnosis, especially when one is talking about telogen effluvium.
By no means am I a medical professional. so I would suggest you might wish to ask the professional who did the scalp biopsy some more detailed questions so that you can get the answers you need.
My understanding is that in Androgenetic Alopecia, a biopsy shows increased numbers of miniaturized hairs, and abundant, perhaps even enlarged sebaceous glands. Ratios of terminal hairs to miniaturized hairs can also be significant in a diagnosis, especially when one is talking about telogen effluvium.
By no means am I a medical professional. so I would suggest you might wish to ask the professional who did the scalp biopsy some more detailed questions so that you can get the answers you need.
Has anyone had a fine needle biopsy of a thyroid nodule? How bad was it? I am 47 year female with 2 nodules on my thyroid one is 3.5 cm the other less than 1. I am scared to death of it being cancerous and scared of the biopsy on Friday. I have had it for about 2 years at least and dont have any symptomms.
___________________________________
yahoo keyword tool ~ overture ~ traffic estimator ~ adwords traffic estimator
___________________________________
yahoo keyword tool ~ overture ~ traffic estimator ~ adwords traffic estimator
Hello, OP I know this is a late reply, but hopefully this can help someone else with the same question.
A scalp biopsy should determine is you are sufferring from Androgenetic Alopecia in a perfect world, but here's the main problem, most of the doctors that evaluate these examination results are not as proficient in analysis to give you an actionable answer.
Kinda how you get blood work done and the results come back as "normal", this is because the person eveluating the results either are not looking for the right markers or the grading is too broad and general (it's usually both).
So if you are going to seek the advice of a medical professional, understand that doctors skill sets vary greatly just like any other professional field.
Hope this helps
A scalp biopsy should determine is you are sufferring from Androgenetic Alopecia in a perfect world, but here's the main problem, most of the doctors that evaluate these examination results are not as proficient in analysis to give you an actionable answer.
Kinda how you get blood work done and the results come back as "normal", this is because the person eveluating the results either are not looking for the right markers or the grading is too broad and general (it's usually both).
So if you are going to seek the advice of a medical professional, understand that doctors skill sets vary greatly just like any other professional field.
Hope this helps