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 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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Medullary thyroid carcinoma is a rare type of thyroid cancer that starts in C cells, also called parafollicular cells, in the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the front of the neck that produces hormones regulating metabolism. Unlike most thyroid cancers, which originate in follicular cells that produce thyroid hormone, medullary thyroid …
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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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In pathology, a tangentially sectioned tissue sample is one cut at an angle rather than straight across. When a sample is cut at an angle, the layers of tissue overlap in the thin slice placed on the microscope slide. This can make the sample difficult to interpret, and sometimes it prevents the pathologist from seeing …
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Atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) is a precancerous condition of the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. In AEH, the endometrium becomes abnormally thick and the glandular cells that make up the endometrium start to grow in a crowded and irregular pattern. The cells also look abnormal under the microscope, which is why the word …
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Ductal adenocarcinoma is the most common type of pancreatic cancer. It starts from the cells that line the small tubes (ducts) inside the pancreas. These cells normally help transport digestive fluids made by the pancreas into the small intestine. In ductal adenocarcinoma, these cells begin to grow abnormally and invade the surrounding tissue. Over time, …
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Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a noninvasive type of breast cancer that starts in the lining of the breast ducts (the tubes that carry milk). Noninvasive means that all the cancer cells are confined to the ducts and glands. They have not broken through the duct wall into nearby breast tissue. Because the cells are …
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A hemangioma is a non-cancerous tumour made up of an abnormal collection of blood vessels. These tumours often appear red to blue and typically have a well-defined border separating them from the surrounding normal tissue. Hemangiomas can occur anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the skin, head, neck, and liver. The …
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A dermatofibroma, also called a benign fibrous histiocytoma, is a very common non-cancerous skin tumour. It develops from the dermis, the thick layer of connective tissue just below the surface of the skin. Dermatofibromas usually appear as small, firm bumps that may feel hard to the touch. They are most often found on the arms, …
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