Final answer:
Civatte bodies found in a biopsy are indicative of changes due to lichen planus or related dermatoses, revealing specific damage to epidermal cells that assists in diagnosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a biopsy reveals Civatte bodies, it indicates the presence of specific changes in the skin's epidermal cells that are often associated with lichen planus, a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin and mucous membranes. Civatte bodies are damaged basal keratinocytes and are seen as eosinophilic, round or irregularly shaped structures within the epidermis. These bodies may also be present in variant forms of lichenoid dermatoses. The presence of Civatte bodies on a biopsy can help dermatopathologists or pathologists confirm a diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.