melanocytes

Atypical melanocytic proliferation

Pathologists use the term atypical melanocytic proliferation when they see a skin lesion made up of melanocytes (the cells that produce pigment) that does not look completely normal under the microscope. These lesions show some unusual or atypical features but do not have all the features needed to confidently label them as benign (non-cancerous) or …
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Nevus

A nevus (plural: nevi) is a medical term used to describe a growth or spot on the skin that develops from melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells in the skin that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair colour. Most nevi are harmless and commonly called moles, though the term nevus includes various pigmented …
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Blue nevus

A blue nevus is a type of benign (noncancerous) growth made up of specialized cells called melanocytes. It is characterized by its distinctive blue or bluish-gray color, which is caused by the presence of melanin deep within the dermis, a phenomenon known as the Tyndall effect. What causes a blue nevus? Blue nevus is generally …
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Oral melanotic macule

An oral melanotic macule is a benign (noncancerous), flat, pigmented spot found on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. It is not a type of cancer nor a precursor to cancer but is simply a localized area of increased pigmentation. Does an oral melanotic macule need to be removed? This lesion is generally harmless …
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HMB-45

What is HMB-45? HMB-45 (Human Melanoma Black-45) is an antibody that binds to a protein called gp100. This protein is expressed in cells called melanocytes and tumours made up of melanocytes, including melanoma. How is HMB-45 used in pathology? HMB-45 staining is commonly used by pathologists to aid in the diagnosis and classification of tumors …
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Melan-A

Melan-A (also known as Mart-1) is a protein made by certain types of cells in the body. It is most commonly found in melanocytes, which produce melanin, a pigment that gives colour to skin, hair, and eyes. Melan-A is also important in pathology because it can help pathologists identify specific types of tumours. What is …
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Dermal nevus

A dermal nevus is a non-cancerous skin tumour made up of specialized cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. The term “dermal” is used because the melanocytes in a dermal nevus are located in the dermis, a layer of skin below the surface. This type of growth is commonly …
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Compound nevus

A compound nevus is a very common non-cancerous type of skin tumour made up of cells called melanocytes. This type of growth is more common in people with light-coloured skin but can be found anywhere on the body. Another name for a compound nevus is a mole, which is a common term used to describe …
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Melanocytes

Melanocytes are a type of cell found in the skin and other body parts. These cells produce melanin, the pigment that gives colour to your skin, hair, and eyes. Melanocytes play an important role in protecting your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. What is their function? The primary function of melanocytes …
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Melanoma in situ of the skin

What is melanoma in situ? Melanoma in situ is a non-invasive type of skin cancer made up of specialized cells called melanocytes. If left untreated, melanoma in situ can turn into an invasive type of skin cancer called invasive melanoma. Where does melanoma in situ start? Melanoma in situ starts from specialized cells called melanocytes …
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