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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What is squamous cell carcinoma in situ? Squamous cell carcinoma in situ is an early non-invasive type of skin cancer. The tumour starts from the cells normally found in a part of the skin called the epidermis. Another name for squamous cell carcinoma in situ is Bowen’s disease. If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma in …
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What is pigmented basal cell carcinoma? Pigmented basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer. The tumour is made up of specialized basal cells that are normally found in a part of the skin called the epidermis. This type of cancer is called “pigmented” because a pigment called melanin is found throughout the …
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What is skin? Skin is an organ that covers the outside surface of the body. It is made up of three layers: epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat. The surface and the part you can see when you look at your skin is called the epidermis. The cells that make up the epidermis include squamous cells, …
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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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