Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...

Pigmentation

Pigmentation

The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
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...

Papillary Dermis

Papillary Dermis

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...

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...

Cellular Adaptation IV: Dysplasia and Metaplasia

Cellular Adaptation IV: Dysplasia and Metaplasia

DysplasiaDysplasia refers to abnormal changes in the size, shape, and organization of mature cells, characterized by pleomorphism, nuclear abnormalities, and increased mitotic activity. It commonly affects epithelial tissues, including the cervix, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory mucosa, and endometrium. Although it may occur alongside hyperplasia, dysplasia is not a true adaptive response but a preneoplastic change with potential to progress to cancer.When confined above the basement...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Laser-assisted vs. conventional daylight photodynamic therapies for actinic keratosis: a two-year randomized evaluator-blinded half-side comparative trial.

Clinical and experimental dermatology·2026

Same author

The important role of palpation in the examination of solitary skin lesions: mnemonic of three T's.

Skin health and disease·2026

Same author

Topical probiotic <i>Lactobacillus lactis</i> treatment in atopic dermatitis: a placebo-controlled pilot study on tolerability and efficacy.

Frontiers in medicine·2026

Same author

New insights in the burden of atopic dermatitis: How holistic care also considers socio-economics.

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV·2025

Same author

High-content Image-based Drug Testing of Patients' Primary Fibroblasts Reveals Potential New Treatment Options for Localized Scleroderma.

Acta dermato-venereologica·2025

Same author

Seasonal Variation of the Burden of Atopic Dermatitis in Finnish Primary Care: A Database Study on Effects of Weather and Air Quality.

Acta dermato-venereologica·2025

Same journal

Update on Current Care Guideline: Psoriasis (skin and joints).

Duodecim; laaketieteellinen aikakauskirja·2017

Same journal

FOUR score in monitoring the level of consciousness of an intensive care patient: first experience of the use of the Finnish language version.

Duodecim; laaketieteellinen aikakauskirja·2017

Same journal

Discussing a serious illness with a patient and family.

Duodecim; laaketieteellinen aikakauskirja·2017

Same journal

Invasive treatment of superficial veins of the lower extremities.

Duodecim; laaketieteellinen aikakauskirja·2017

Same journal

When should a drain be left in the abdominal cavity upon surgery?

Duodecim; laaketieteellinen aikakauskirja·2017

Same journal

Diagnostics and current care of myasthenia gravis.

Duodecim; laaketieteellinen aikakauskirja·2017

See all related articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia

Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia

Published on: August 9, 2024

[Dysplastic melanocytic nevus].

Alexander Salava¹, Annamari Ranki, Olli Saksela

¹HYKS:n iho- ja allergiasairalla, HUS.

Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja

|December 22, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The distinction between atypical melanocytic nevus and dysplastic melanocytic nevus is debated. Early melanoma detection and surveillance are crucial for high-risk patients with numerous moles.

More Related Videos

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model

Published on: May 18, 2018

Identifying, Diagnosing, and Grading Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors in Genetically Engineered Mouse Models

Identifying, Diagnosing, and Grading Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors in Genetically Engineered Mouse Models

Published on: May 17, 2024

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia

Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia

Published on: August 9, 2024

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model

Published on: May 18, 2018

Identifying, Diagnosing, and Grading Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors in Genetically Engineered Mouse Models

Identifying, Diagnosing, and Grading Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors in Genetically Engineered Mouse Models

Published on: May 17, 2024

Area of Science:

Dermatology
Pathology
Oncology

Context:

The dysplastic melanocytic nevus is a controversial entity in clinical and histological diagnosis.
Distinguishing between atypical melanocytic nevus (clinical term) and dysplastic melanocytic nevus (histological term) remains challenging.
The association between dysplastic nevi and melanoma is complex, often requiring advanced diagnostic methods.

Purpose:

To clarify the terminology and diagnostic challenges associated with dysplastic melanocytic nevi.
To emphasize the importance of differentiating benign nevi from melanoma.
To outline management strategies for patients at high risk of melanoma.

Summary:

Clinical presentation, dermatoscopy, and molecular analyses can struggle to differentiate histological dysplastic nevi from melanoma.
Patients with numerous melanocytic nevi require comprehensive melanoma risk assessment, surveillance planning, and self-examination motivation.
High-risk individuals often present with increased benign melanocytic nevi and clinically atypical or microscopically dysplastic nevi.

Impact:

Highlights the need for standardized diagnostic criteria for melanocytic nevi.
Underscores the critical role of early melanoma detection and surveillance in patient management.
Emphasizes the importance of examining relatives of high-risk melanoma patients due to potential genetic predispositions.