Melanocytic tumor
Melanocytic Tumor
Melanocytic tumor (pronunciation: mel·a·no·cyt·ic tu·mor) is a type of tumor that originates from melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives color to our skin, hair, and eyes.
Etymology
The term "melanocytic tumor" is derived from the Greek words "melas" (black) and "kytos" (cell), referring to the melanin-producing cells from which these tumors originate. The word "tumor" comes from the Latin "tumere" which means to swell, referring to the abnormal growth of cells.
Types of Melanocytic Tumors
Melanocytic tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign melanocytic tumors are often referred to as melanocytic nevi or moles, while malignant melanocytic tumors are known as melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
Melanocytic Nevi
Melanocytic nevi, commonly known as moles, are benign growths that occur when melanocytes grow in clusters. They are usually harmless but can sometimes develop into melanoma.
Melanoma
Melanoma is a malignant melanocytic tumor and is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It can develop from existing moles or appear as a new, unusual-looking growth.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of melanocytic tumors often involves a biopsy, where a sample of the tumor is removed and examined under a microscope. Treatment options depend on the type and stage of the tumor and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
Related Terms
- Dysplastic nevus: A type of mole that looks different from a common mole. A dysplastic nevus can turn into melanoma.
- Metastasis: The process by which cancer spreads from the place where it first started to other parts of the body.
- Oncology: The study of cancer.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Melanocytic tumor
- Wikipedia's article - Melanocytic tumor
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski