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Molluscum - microscopic appearance

Molluscum - microscopic appearance

Overview

This is how a molluscum lesion appears under microscopic examination. Molluscum are small, raised, pearly skin lesions caused by the molluscum virus, a member of the poxvirus family.

Review Date 4/1/2025

Updated by: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.