Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common types of skin cancer. It starts from squamous cells, the flat cells that normally form the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis). In invasive SCC, the cancer cells have broken through the epidermis and grown into the deeper layers of the skin. Pathologists call …
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Basosquamous carcinoma is a type of skin cancer. It is a more aggressive variant of basal cell carcinoma. In addition to the typical features of basal cell carcinoma, basosquamous carcinoma also shows features of another type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. The tumour starts from specialized basal cells found near the surface of …
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Solar elastosis is a non-cancerous skin condition caused by excessive and long-term exposure to sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is also known as actinic elastosis or photoaging. Doctors consider solar elastosis a clear sign of sun damage, which occurs after years of sun exposure. What causes solar elastosis? Solar elastosis is …
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A dysplastic nevus — also called an atypical mole or an atypical melanocytic nevus — is a non-cancerous skin growth made up of melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment melanin. Dysplastic nevi differ from common moles because the melanocytes are arranged in an irregular pattern and look slightly abnormal under the microscope. Despite these …
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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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Melanoma in situ is an early, non-invasive form of skin cancer that arises from melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. In healthy skin, melanocytes sit in a neat row at the bottom of the epidermis — the thin outer layer of the skin. In melanoma in situ, these cells have become cancerous and have grown in abnormal …
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Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive type of skin cancer. It is a type of neuroendocrine tumour, meaning it starts from neuroendocrine cells in the skin. Neuroendocrine cells are specialized cells that help the body send signals by releasing chemical messengers in response to nerve signals. Because of how these cells function, Merkel …
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Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare type of skin cancer that starts in the dermis — the thick middle layer of the skin. It belongs to a broader family of cancers called sarcomas, which arise from connective tissue (the supportive framework that gives the skin and other organs their shape and strength). DFSP most often …
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What is sebaceous carcinoma? Sebaceous carcinoma is a type of skin cancer. Sebaceous carcinoma develops from specialized cells called sebocytes in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue of the skin. The cancer cells produce a fatty substance called sebum which often makes the tumour look yellow. Where in the body is sebaceous carcinoma found? One of …
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Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It starts from basal cells, which are found in the deepest layer of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) and in hair follicles. Under the microscope, all basal cell carcinomas are made up of clusters of small, darkly stained cells called …
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