Pigmented Lesion
Pigmented Lesion - Related Videos
08:41
Quantifying Abdominal Pigmentation in Drosophila melanogaster
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Cited by 5 •
2017
This work presents a method to quickly and precisely quantify the abdominal pigmentation of Drosophila melanogaster using digital image analysis. This method streamlines the procedures between phenotype acquisition and data analysis and includes specimen mounting, image acquisition, pixel value extraction, and trait measurement.
11:03
A Method for Extracting Pigments from Squid Doryteuthis pealeii
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Cited by 4 •
2016
A protocol for the extraction of pigments from the nanostructured granules in squid Doryteuthis pealeii chromatophores is presented.
01:19
Pigmentation
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2023
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...
16:47
Dissection of a Mouse Eye for a Whole Mount of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium
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Cited by 45 •
2011
A formal demonstration of the dissection of a mouse eye, resulting in a whole mount of the retinal pigment epithelium.
09:22
Sectioning Mammary Gland Whole Mounts for Lesion Identification
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Cited by 13 •
2017
We developed a method to successfully remove, process, section, and stain, for histopathological evaluation, mammary tissue that had originally been fixed on slides as whole mounts. This method may promote the collection and evaluation of mammary gland whole mounts in reproductive and developmental test guideline studies.
FAQs
Appearance can change when melanocytes increase in number, become more active, or distribute pigment unevenly. Pigment transfer within the epidermis and dermis also influences visible coloration. These mechanisms help explain why lesions may show differences in color intensity or pattern, although visual appearance alone cannot establish whether a finding is benign or associated with skin cancer.
These features provide complementary information about a lesion’s visual pattern and change over time. Asymmetry, irregular borders, varied colors, larger diameter, or evolution can identify findings that deserve closer assessment, but no single feature establishes a diagnosis. Considering the combined pattern helps clinicians decide whether monitoring is appropriate or whether further evaluation is needed.
Dermoscopy offers a closer examination of a pigmented lesion than unaided visual inspection. It can support assessment of features that may not be fully characterized with the naked eye and help clinicians identify lesions requiring monitoring. Dermoscopy therefore functions as an evaluation aid, while it does not replace tissue examination when a definitive diagnosis is necessary.
Histopathology examines tissue obtained through biopsy to establish a definitive diagnosis. Unlike surface inspection, it evaluates the lesion’s microscopic features, helping distinguish among benign findings, melanoma, and other cutaneous disorders. This diagnostic information gives clinicians a basis for selecting appropriate treatment and planning follow-up rather than relying only on external appearance.
Evaluation begins with clinical examination of the lesion, including assessment of asymmetry, borders, colors, diameter, and evolution. The naked eye may be supplemented by dermoscopy to improve characterization. Findings that appear concerning can proceed to biopsy and histopathology, whereas lesions without an immediate need for tissue diagnosis may be monitored over time.
Monitoring may be appropriate when clinical examination and, when used, dermoscopy do not establish an immediate need for biopsy. Follow-up focuses on whether the lesion changes in appearance or evolution, since change can alter its level of concern. This approach supports detection of lesions that later require further evaluation while avoiding premature conclusions from a single examination.
Biopsy provides tissue for histopathology when clinical assessment identifies a lesion requiring definitive evaluation. The microscopic diagnosis can clarify whether the finding is benign, represents melanoma, or reflects another cutaneous disorder. Because treatment and follow-up depend on the diagnosis, biopsy is an important step when surface examination and dermoscopy cannot provide sufficient certainty.
Assessment helps clinicians recognize possible melanoma as well as other cutaneous disorders, rather than treating every change in skin color as the same condition. Examination, dermoscopy, monitoring, and tissue diagnosis connect the initial finding with appropriate management. Accurate classification can guide treatment decisions and establish follow-up suited to the lesion’s diagnosis and clinical course.