KELOID

fibrous tissue overgrowth occurring in scars. Usually only the skin layers are affected in this manner; scars of the mucous membranes or deeper tissues do not form keloids. Keloids are sometimes equated with fibrous tumours, but most pathologists do not consider them to be neoplasms (new growths of physiologically nonfunctional tissue). Negroid and Mongoloid peoples are most likely to develop keloids from scars or traumatic irritation; the tendency seems to be inherited.