Apocrine nevus
Apocrine Nevus
Apocrine nevus (pronunciation: a-po-crine ne-vus) is a rare type of skin lesion that is present at birth or appears in early childhood. It is characterized by an overgrowth of apocrine sweat glands in a localized area of the skin.
Etymology
The term "apocrine" is derived from the Greek words "apo" meaning "away from" and "krinein" meaning "to separate". This refers to the method of secretion in which the top part of the cell breaks away and is released into the duct of the sweat gland. "Nevus" is a Latin word meaning "birthmark" or "mole", but in medical terms, it refers to any localized overgrowth of cells in the skin.
Description
An apocrine nevus typically appears as a solitary, well-circumscribed, brown or skin-colored patch that can be located anywhere on the body but is most commonly found on the scalp. The size can vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. The overlying skin may appear normal or may show changes such as increased sweating, hairiness, or pigmentation.
Related Terms
- Apocrine glands: These are a type of sweat gland that are larger than the more common eccrine sweat glands and are found mainly in the armpits and genital area.
- Nevus: This is a general term for a localized overgrowth of cells in the skin, which can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired.
- Skin lesion: This is a broad term for any abnormality in the skin, including moles, cysts, tumors, and rashes.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of an apocrine nevus is usually made based on the clinical appearance and confirmed by a skin biopsy. Treatment is not usually necessary unless the lesion is causing symptoms such as excessive sweating or cosmetic concerns. In these cases, surgical removal or laser treatment may be considered.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Apocrine nevus
- Wikipedia's article - Apocrine nevus
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