skin

Atypical melanocytic proliferation

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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Nevus

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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Psoriasiform dermatitis

Psoriasiform dermatitis is a term for a reactive pattern of skin changes that can result from several different underlying conditions. It is called psoriasiform because the changes resemble those seen in psoriasis. What are the symptoms of psoriasiform dermatitis? People with psoriasiform dermatitis often notice red patches of skin with a dry or flaky surface …
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Keratoacanthoma

Keratoacanthoma is a rapidly growing but benign (noncancerous) type of skin tumour. It typically involves hair-bearing skin on the face, although other body parts can occasionally be involved. What causes keratoacanthoma? Keratoacanthoma is believed to be caused by excessive sun exposure. However, in many cases, the tumour only grows after the skin is involved in …
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Keratinocytes

Keratinocytes are specialized cells that make up the majority of cells in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. They are named for their role in producing keratin, a key structural protein that contributes to the skin’s strength and resilience. Under microscopic examination, these cells appear bright pink because the keratin inside the cytoplasm …
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Sebaceous glands

Sebaceous glands are a type of gland found in the dermis of the skin. These glands make and secrete sebum, which looks and feels like fat. Too much sebum can make our skin and hair feel greasy. Sebaceous glands can be found all over the body, although most are found on the face and scalp. …
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Squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the skin

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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Parakeratosis

Parakeratosis describes the presence of nucleated keratinocytes at the surface of the skin or other squamous cell-lined tissue. Keratinocytes are specialized cells that connect to form a protective barrier at the surface of the skin. Nucleated means that the keratinocytes contain a nucleus (the part of the cell that holds the genetic material). Normally as …
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Epidermoid cyst

An epidermoid cyst is a non-cancerous growth that develops below the skin’s surface. It is a round, hollow structure lined by the same squamous cells found in a layer of the skin called the epidermis. Epidermoid cysts are sometimes referred to as ‘epidermal cysts’, ‘infundibular cysts’, or ‘epidermal inclusion cysts.’   Where are epidermoid cysts …
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Keloid scar

A keloid scar is an overgrowth of scar tissue that develops after a skin injury, such as a cut, burn, surgical incision, or even a piercing or acne. Unlike normal scars, keloids grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound and may continue to enlarge over time. This happens because the body produces excess collagen, …
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