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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Keratoacanthoma is a rapidly growing but benign (noncancerous) type of skin tumour. It typically involves hair-bearing skin on the face although other parts of the body can occasionally be involved. What causes keratoacanthoma? Keratoacanthoma is believed to be caused by excessive sun exposure. However, in many cases, the tumour only starts to grow after the …
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Squamous cell carcinoma in situ or Bowen’s disease is an early non-invasive type of skin cancer. It starts from squamous cells normally found in a part of the skin called the epidermis. If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma in situ can evolve into a more aggressive type of skin cancer called invasive squamous cell carcinoma. What …
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Background: Fibrous histiocytoma is a common benign (non-cancerous) skin tumour. It is made up of a combination of fibroblastic cells, macrophages, and collagen, a type of connective tissue. The tumour develops in a layer of skin called the dermis. Another name for a fibrous histiocytoma is dermatofibroma. What are the symptoms of a fibrous …
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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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What is a cylindroma? Cylindroma is a non-cancerous type of skin tumour. The tumour develops from sweat glands normally found in the skin. People with Brooke–Spiegler syndrome (BSS) commonly develop multiple cylindromas. This syndrome is associated with an alteration in the gene CLYD. Is a cylindroma a type of cancer? No. Cylindroma is a non-cancerous …
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What is a spiradenoma? Spiradenoma is a non-cancerous type of skin tumour. The tumour develops from sweat glands normally found in the skin. People with Brooke–Spiegler syndrome commonly develop multiple spiradenomas. This syndrome is associated with an alteration in the gene CLYD. Where are spiradenomas found? Spiradenomas are typically found on the face, upper chest, …
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What is a hidradenoma? Hidradenoma is a non-cancerous type of skin tumour. The tumour develops from sweat glands normally found in the skin. Where are hidradenomas found? Hidradenoma can be found anywhere on the body although it is more common on the trunk and extremities. What causes a hidraenoma? Most hidradenomas are caused by a …
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What is a poroma? Poroma is a non-cancerous type of skin tumour. The tumour develops from sweat glands normally found in the skin. Where are poromas found? Poromas are commonly found on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and extremities (arms and legs), however, other sites can also be involved. How do …
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What is a syringoma? Syringoma is a non-cancerous type of skin tumour. The tumour develops from sweat glands normally found in the skin. Most patients are between 60 and 80 years old. Where are syringomas found? Most syringomas are found on the face, especially on the eyelids or around the eyes. Multiple syringomas may be …
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