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There are two main types of internal (visceral) mast cell tumours, one originating in the blood forming (haemopoietic) organs, such as the spleen and bone marrow, and the other originating in the gut (usually the intestine but occasionally the stomach).
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Melanocytes are cells that produce a pigment called melanin. They are found in many parts of the body where there is pigment, particularly skin, hair and eyes.
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Squamous cell carcinoma in situ is a disordered growth of the skin epidermis which may extend to include epithelium of the upper part of the hair follicles.
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Nasal discharges and sneezing are two clinical signs that are associated with disorders affecting the nasal cavity and/or nasal sinuses.
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Most cancers originate from the lining of the nose (epithelium). Benign tumours (adenomas) are rare but if they are surgically removable, they are curable. Malignant tumours (carcinomas) are more common with many different types.
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Polyps are a benign form of growth – meaning they do not spread from one part of the body to another. Nasopharyngeal polyps arise in the middle ear, the compartment just behind the ear-drum.
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Neuroendocrine cells produce rare tumours (carcinoids, Merkel cell tumours and neuroendocrine tumours). In general, the tumours are slow growing but will eventually spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.
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Chemodectomas are tumours of the chemoreceptors. They include both benign (non-spreading) adenomas and malignant carcinomas.
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An epulis (plural epuli) is the clinical name for a swelling on the gums. Several different tumours share this name, often of different origins including the tooth-socket lining and lining epithelium of the mouth.
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Oral fibrosarcomas are rapidly growing, malignant tumours originating from the fibrous connective tissue of the mouth. The tumours are rarely cured by surgical removal.