acanthosis ni·gri·cans -'nig-rə-.kanz, -'nī-grə- n a skin disease characterized by gray-black warty patches usu. situated in the axilla or groin or on elbows or knees and sometimes associated with cancer of abdominal viscera
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diffuse velvety acanthosis with dark pigmentation, found in areas of body folds such as the axillae or groin. One type in adults accompanies internal carcinomas and is called malignant acanthosis nigricans. There is also a benign, nevoid form in adults that is more or less generalized and may accompany endocrine disturbances. A benign form seen in children is called pseudoacanthosis nigricans.Medical dictionary. 2011.