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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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 are a type of gland found in a part of the skin called the dermis. These glands make and secrete a material called 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 the greatest …
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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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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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What is an epidermoid cyst? An epidermoid cyst is a non-cancerous growth that develops just below the surface of the skin. 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 …
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What is a keloid scar? A keloid scar is a non-cancerous type of change that happens in the skin after an injury. The most common location for a keloid scar is on the upper back, shoulders, chest, and ear lobes. Keloid scars are sometimes referred to only as ‘keloids’. What causes a keloid scar? Doctors …
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What is spongiotic dermatitis? Spongiotic dermatitis is a term pathologists use to describe a pattern of injury in the skin caused by inflammation. It is called a “pattern of injury” because the changes seen are not specific to a single medical condition. The spongiotic dermatitis pattern of injury is most commonly seen in a group …
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What is a junctional nevus? A junctional nevus is a very common non-cancerous type of skin tumour made up of specialized cells called melanocytes. Junctional nevi (nevi is the plural of nevus) are more common in people with light-coloured skin and can be found anywhere on the body. Another name for this type of tumour …
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What is a dysplastic nevus? A dysplastic nevus is a non-cancerous type of skin tumour made up of specialized cells called melanocytes. Another name for this type of growth is an atypical mole. Is a dysplastic nevus a type of cancer? No. A dysplastic nevus is not a type of skin cancer. However, some dysplastic …
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