Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Three-dimensional melanin distribution of acral melanocytic nevi is reflected in dermoscopy features: analysis of the
M Kimoto1, M Sakamoto, H Iyatomi
1Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. kimotoma@1998.jukuin.keio.ac.jp
Background:
Acral melanocytic nevi have parallel patterns on dermoscopy; however, it is not understood why pigment distributions exhibit such patterns.
Aim:
To clarify the reason why melanin distributions in acral melanocytic nevi exhibit a parallel pattern on dermoscopy.
Methods:
A serial sectioning perpendicular to the skin markings was performed, and each section was stained with modified Fontana-Masson staining to pick out melanin granules. These sections were then reconstructed to three-dimensional images by an image processing software, and these three-dimensional images were analyzed.
Results:
Melanin columns in the cornified layer were mainly seen in the dermoscopic images of acral melanocytic nevi. In the parallel-furrow pattern melanin columns were arranged vertically, and in the fibrillar pattern they were arranged in a slanting fashion.
Conclusion:
Melanin columns in the cornified layer, not melanin in the basal layer, mainly contribute to the dermoscopic pattern of acral melanocytic nevi.
More Related Videos
11:02The Three-Dimensional Human Skin Reconstruct Model: a Tool to Study Normal Skin and Melanoma Progression
Published on: August 3, 2011
09:37Combining Reflectance Confocal Microscopy with Optical Coherence Tomography for Noninvasive Diagnosis of Skin Cancers via Image Acquisition
Published on: August 18, 2022
Related Concept Videos
01:30Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:11Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
01:19Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...