Techniques of digital image analysis for histological quantification of melanin

Abstract

Melanin is the main pigment related to skin color, and its quantification in histological sections can contribute to clinical, pathophysiological and therapeutic research on skin pigmentation disorders. 1A histological estimation of melanin is usually made in a qualitative way by an experienced dermatopathologist, based on visual grading of the quartiles (0 to 4+) of each of the affected areas evaluated, which are stained with specific stains, such as FontanaMasson. 2,3 However, morphometric analysis of the p…