Benign Neoplasm

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Benign Neoplasm - Intradermal Nevus (Mole) (PH 2300) (pp. 116-117)
(Be able to identify this slide; identify normal epidermis and abnormal epidermis; differentiate between normal epidermis and abnormal epidermis.)

Note that the stratified squamous epithelium of the epidermis has undergone proliferation. The epidermis is very thick and contains excessive accumulations of brown melanin. Compare the thickness of the epidermis in the mole with that of the normal epidermis at the edges of the section. Move the slide back and forth to do this. Then return the slide to the original position.

Intradermal nevus (40X1.6)                                                          Normal epidermis (100X2.0)

Dermis (red at bottom), epidermis (blue area and dark          Dermis (red at left), normal epidermis (dark layer)
layer), air (clear area at right), normal epidermis (dark
layer in lower region) borders on abnormal thickened
epidermis of nevus (upper blue region with dark surface
layer)

Intradermal nevus (40X1.6)                                                         Intradermal nevus (100X2.0)

Very thickened and rough epidermis (blue with dark            Very thickened epidermis (blue with dark surface layer) with
surface layer) and brown melanin masses, dermis (red)        brown melanin masses
at extreme bottom

This neoplasm is considered benign if it does not spread but if it invades into the dermis it would be considered malignant and called a melanoma.

* To which of the cancer warning signs does this relate?

This material may not be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in any data base or retrieval system without prior written permission is obtained from Augustine G. DiGiovanna, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD 21801.