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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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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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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An oral melanotic macule is a benign (noncancerous), flat, pigmented spot found on the lining of the mouth. The inside of the mouth is covered by a thin protective layer called the epithelium. In an oral melanotic macule, there is a small, localized increase in melanin, which is the pigment that gives color to skin …
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HMB-45 (Human Melanoma Black-45) is an antibody used by pathologists to detect a protein called gp100. This protein is normally found in melanocytes—cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. Melanocytes are mostly located in the skin but can also appear in mucosal areas (like the mouth) and eyes. Because …
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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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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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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 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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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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