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There are 60 entries in the glossary.
Pages: 1 2 3 »

Term Definition
antibodyA part of the body’s defense mechanism formed in response to a foreign antigen. Antibodies attack infectious agents and toxic substances.
 
antigenAny substance that stimulates the body to produce an antibody.
 
biopsyA sample of tissue removed from the body that is suspected of being abnormal or cancerous.
 
Breslow’s thicknessThe measurement of the distance between the top layer of the skin and the deepest layer reached by a melanoma.
 
carcinogenA chemical or other irritant believed to cause cancer.
 
chronicLong-lasting or marked by frequent reoccurance.
 
Clarke’s levelThe depth of melanoma penetration, from epidermis in level I to subcutaneous fat in level V.
 
cutaneous hornSmall hard, yellowish brown growths, which often, though not always, resemble miniature horns.
 
dermoscopeA diagnostic instrument that magnifies the internal structures of a pigmented lesion.
 
epidermisThe top layer of skin
 
erythemaReddening of the skin
 
fasciaThick fibrous tissue that lies beneath the skin fat and surrounds the muscles
 
granulationThe formation of new tissue that arises during the healing process to fill in a wound.
 
immunosuppressionA state in which the immunue system is weakened. It can be caused by certain drugs, organ transplants, or illness.
 
in-transit metastasesMelanoma that has spread more than 2 centimeters from the primary tumor, but has not reached the nearby lymph nodes.
 
interleukin-2A large protein molecule produced by T-cells that activates cells in the immune system.
 
invasiveA tumor which penetrates into the deeper skin structures, the lymph nodes, or the internal organs.
 
keloidOvergrown scar tissue that extends far beyond the original surgical borders.
 
keratinA protein that is the principal component of skin, hair, and nails, providing structural support.
 
keratinocyteA type of epidermal cell that produces keratin.
 
keratoacanthomaA round, rapidly growing tumor that appears mainly on sun-exposed skin.
 
lesionAn abnormal change in tissue, usually caused by illness or injury, restricted to a specific area. A skin cancer is sometimes referred to as a skin lesion.
 
lymphocytesWhite blood cells formed in lymphatic tissue.
 
lymphokinesSubstances released by lymphocytes in response to stimulation by an antigen.
 
melaninPigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes.
 


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