Breslow thickness (also called Breslow depth) is a measurement used by pathologists to describe how far cancer cells in invasive melanoma — a type of skin cancer that starts in pigment-producing cells called melanocytes — have grown into the skin. The measurement tells doctors the distance, in millimeters, from the skin surface to the deepest …
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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 an inflammatory polyp in the stomach? An inflammatory polyp is a non-cancerous growth that develops from the tissue that lines the inside of the stomach. Another name for this growth is a hyperplastic polyp. What causes an inflammatory polyp? Most inflammatory polyps in the stomach are associated with a condition called chronic gastritis …
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Immature teratoma of the ovary is a rare type of malignant (cancerous) ovarian tumor. Despite sharing the word “teratoma” with the common, noncancerous mature teratoma (also called a dermoid cyst), an immature teratoma is a fundamentally different diagnosis — one that requires careful staging and, in many cases, treatment beyond surgery. The word “immature” refers …
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A benign Brenner tumor is a noncancerous growth that starts in the ovary. It is composed of nests of cells resembling the lining of the urinary tract, known as urothelial epithelium, surrounded by dense supportive tissue called stroma. Because this tumor is benign, it does not spread to other parts of the body and does …
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Flat epithelial atypia (FEA) is a non-cancerous change in the small glands of the breast called terminal duct lobular units. In flat epithelial atypia, the normal cells lining these glands are replaced by one or more layers of mildly abnormal cells. The cells are usually cuboidal or column-shaped and can look similar to the cells …
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Phyllodes tumour is a rare type of breast tumour. Most phyllodes tumours will behave like non-cancerous tumours. However, a small number (approximately 10%) will behave like cancer. This behaviour includes the ability to spread through the normal tissue in the breast and to other parts of the body. The entire tumour must be removed surgically …
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A Spitz nevus is a noncancerous (benign) skin growth and a type of mole. Like other moles, it is made up of cells called melanocytes, the cells in the skin that make melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. The growth is named after Dr. Sophie Spitz, the pathologist who first described it. Spitz …
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What is a von Meyenburg complex? A von Meyenburg complex is a type of non-cancerous liver tumour called a hamartoma. For this reason, another name for a von Meyenburg complex is a bile duct hamartoma. Pathologists often describe a von Meyenburg complex as a malformation to differentiate it from other kinds of tumours. von Meyenburg …
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What is a bile duct hamartoma? A bile duct hamartoma, also known as a von Meyenburg complex, is a non-cancerous liver tumour made up of disorganized bile ducts. It is a common type of liver tumour seen in approximately 3-6% of the population. Some may appear before birth during the time in fetal development when …
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