抄録
As well as malignant melanoma and melanocytic nevus, nonmelanocytic pigmented epidermal tumors also contain benign symbiotic melanocytes and synthesize melanin. This paper reviewed the clinicopathologic features of the pigmented epidermal tumors of the skin. Symbiotic melanocytes, including both normal and pigment blockade melanocytes, were observed in these tumors. Pigmentation of the tumor depended on the symbiotic melanocytes, epidermal tumor cells containing melanin, necrosis masses, and melanophages within the tumor or the dermis. These symbiotic melanocytes derive from the peripheral epidermis or appendages of skin around the tumor. Many factors, including ultraviolet-B, cytokines, and hormones, promote melanocyte motility and are related to the histogenesis of the pigmented epidermal tumors.
