Melanocytic nevus: Difference between revisions
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Melanocytic nevus | |||
| image = [[File:Skin_Tumors-171.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = A typical melanocytic nevus on the skin | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| synonyms = Mole, nevocytic nevus | |||
| symptoms = [[Pigmented]] skin lesion, usually brown, black, or skin-colored | |||
| complications = [[Malignant melanoma]] | |||
| onset = Childhood or early adulthood | |||
| duration = Lifelong | |||
| causes = [[Genetic factors]], [[UV radiation]] | |||
| risks = [[Sun exposure]], [[family history]] of melanoma | |||
| diagnosis = [[Dermatoscopy]], [[biopsy]] | |||
| differential = [[Seborrheic keratosis]], [[lentigo]], [[melanoma]] | |||
| prevention = [[Sun protection]], regular skin checks | |||
| treatment = [[Surgical excision]], [[laser therapy]] | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|A type of skin lesion commonly known as a mole}} | {{Short description|A type of skin lesion commonly known as a mole}} | ||
[[File:Dermatoscope.jpg|A modern polarized [[dermatoscope]].|left|thumb]] | |||
[[File:Dermatoscope1.JPG|A [[dermatoscope]].|left|thumb]] | |||
[[File:Abraham Lincoln head on shoulders photo portrait.jpg|left|thumb|[[Abraham Lincoln]] famously had a mole on his right cheek]] | |||
[[File:Micrograph of an intradermal melanocytic nevus.jpg|left|thumb|Micrograph of an intradermal melanocytic nevus]] | |||
[[File:Pie chart of incidence and malignancy of pigmented skin lesions.png|left|thumb]] | |||
A '''melanocytic nevus''' is a type of [[skin]] lesion that is commonly referred to as a [[mole]]. These lesions are typically benign and are composed of [[nevus cells]], which are a type of [[melanocyte]]. Melanocytic nevi can appear anywhere on the [[body]] and vary in color, size, and shape. | A '''melanocytic nevus''' is a type of [[skin]] lesion that is commonly referred to as a [[mole]]. These lesions are typically benign and are composed of [[nevus cells]], which are a type of [[melanocyte]]. Melanocytic nevi can appear anywhere on the [[body]] and vary in color, size, and shape. | ||
==Classification== | ==Classification== | ||
Melanocytic nevi are classified based on their location within the layers of the [[skin]] and their appearance. The main types include: | Melanocytic nevi are classified based on their location within the layers of the [[skin]] and their appearance. The main types include: | ||
* '''Junctional nevi''': These are located at the junction of the [[epidermis]] and [[dermis]]. They are usually flat and uniformly pigmented. | * '''Junctional nevi''': These are located at the junction of the [[epidermis]] and [[dermis]]. They are usually flat and uniformly pigmented. | ||
* '''Compound nevi''': These have both junctional and dermal components, often appearing as slightly raised lesions. | * '''Compound nevi''': These have both junctional and dermal components, often appearing as slightly raised lesions. | ||
* '''Intradermal nevi''': These are located entirely within the [[dermis]] and are typically raised and flesh-colored. | * '''Intradermal nevi''': These are located entirely within the [[dermis]] and are typically raised and flesh-colored. | ||
==Appearance== | ==Appearance== | ||
Melanocytic nevi can vary widely in appearance. They may be: | Melanocytic nevi can vary widely in appearance. They may be: | ||
* '''Flat or raised''' | * '''Flat or raised''' | ||
* '''Round or oval''' | * '''Round or oval''' | ||
* '''Uniformly colored or variegated''' | * '''Uniformly colored or variegated''' | ||
The color of a melanocytic nevus can range from pink to dark brown, depending on the amount of [[melanin]] present. | The color of a melanocytic nevus can range from pink to dark brown, depending on the amount of [[melanin]] present. | ||
==Development== | ==Development== | ||
Melanocytic nevi often develop during [[childhood]] and [[adolescence]], with the number of nevi typically peaking in the third decade of life. They may change in appearance over time, sometimes becoming more raised or changing in color. | Melanocytic nevi often develop during [[childhood]] and [[adolescence]], with the number of nevi typically peaking in the third decade of life. They may change in appearance over time, sometimes becoming more raised or changing in color. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
The development of melanocytic nevi is influenced by genetic factors and [[sun exposure]]. Nevus cells are derived from [[neural crest]] cells and are similar to [[melanocytes]], the cells responsible for producing [[melanin]]. | The development of melanocytic nevi is influenced by genetic factors and [[sun exposure]]. Nevus cells are derived from [[neural crest]] cells and are similar to [[melanocytes]], the cells responsible for producing [[melanin]]. | ||
==Potential for Malignancy== | ==Potential for Malignancy== | ||
While most melanocytic nevi are benign, some may develop into [[melanoma]], a type of [[skin cancer]]. Features that may suggest malignancy include: | While most melanocytic nevi are benign, some may develop into [[melanoma]], a type of [[skin cancer]]. Features that may suggest malignancy include: | ||
* Asymmetry | * Asymmetry | ||
* Border irregularity | * Border irregularity | ||
| Line 34: | Line 47: | ||
* Diameter greater than 6 mm | * Diameter greater than 6 mm | ||
* Evolving shape or color | * Evolving shape or color | ||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
Most melanocytic nevi do not require treatment unless they are symptomatic or show signs of malignancy. In such cases, a [[biopsy]] or [[excision]] may be performed to rule out [[melanoma]]. | Most melanocytic nevi do not require treatment unless they are symptomatic or show signs of malignancy. In such cases, a [[biopsy]] or [[excision]] may be performed to rule out [[melanoma]]. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Melanoma]] | * [[Melanoma]] | ||
* [[Skin cancer]] | * [[Skin cancer]] | ||
* [[Dermatology]] | * [[Dermatology]] | ||
* [[Nevus]] | * [[Nevus]] | ||
{{Skin tumors, nevi and melanomas}} | |||
{{dermatology-stub}} | |||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Melanocytic Nevus}} | |||
[[Category:Melanocytic nevi and neoplasms]] | |||
[[Category:Benign neoplasms]] | |||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Skin conditions]] | [[Category:Skin conditions]] | ||
Latest revision as of 03:42, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Melanocytic nevus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Mole, nevocytic nevus |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Pigmented skin lesion, usually brown, black, or skin-colored |
| Complications | Malignant melanoma |
| Onset | Childhood or early adulthood |
| Duration | Lifelong |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Genetic factors, UV radiation |
| Risks | Sun exposure, family history of melanoma |
| Diagnosis | Dermatoscopy, biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Seborrheic keratosis, lentigo, melanoma |
| Prevention | Sun protection, regular skin checks |
| Treatment | Surgical excision, laser therapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
A type of skin lesion commonly known as a mole
A melanocytic nevus is a type of skin lesion that is commonly referred to as a mole. These lesions are typically benign and are composed of nevus cells, which are a type of melanocyte. Melanocytic nevi can appear anywhere on the body and vary in color, size, and shape.
Classification[edit]
Melanocytic nevi are classified based on their location within the layers of the skin and their appearance. The main types include:
- Junctional nevi: These are located at the junction of the epidermis and dermis. They are usually flat and uniformly pigmented.
- Compound nevi: These have both junctional and dermal components, often appearing as slightly raised lesions.
- Intradermal nevi: These are located entirely within the dermis and are typically raised and flesh-colored.
Appearance[edit]
Melanocytic nevi can vary widely in appearance. They may be:
- Flat or raised
- Round or oval
- Uniformly colored or variegated
The color of a melanocytic nevus can range from pink to dark brown, depending on the amount of melanin present.
Development[edit]
Melanocytic nevi often develop during childhood and adolescence, with the number of nevi typically peaking in the third decade of life. They may change in appearance over time, sometimes becoming more raised or changing in color.
Pathophysiology[edit]
The development of melanocytic nevi is influenced by genetic factors and sun exposure. Nevus cells are derived from neural crest cells and are similar to melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin.
Potential for Malignancy[edit]
While most melanocytic nevi are benign, some may develop into melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Features that may suggest malignancy include:
- Asymmetry
- Border irregularity
- Color variation
- Diameter greater than 6 mm
- Evolving shape or color
Management[edit]
Most melanocytic nevi do not require treatment unless they are symptomatic or show signs of malignancy. In such cases, a biopsy or excision may be performed to rule out melanoma.
See also[edit]
| Skin cancer of nevi and melanomas | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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