Benign melanocytic nevus: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Normal_mole_with_no_color_differences.jpg|Normal mole with no color differences|thumb]] '''Benign melanocytic nevus''' | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Benign melanocytic nevus | |||
| image = [[File:Normal_mole_with_no_color_differences.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = A typical benign melanocytic nevus | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| synonyms = Mole, nevocytic nevus | |||
| symptoms = [[Pigmented]] skin lesion, usually brown, black, or flesh-colored | |||
| complications = Rarely, transformation to [[melanoma]] | |||
| onset = Childhood or early adulthood | |||
| duration = Lifelong | |||
| causes = [[Genetic]] factors, [[UV radiation]] exposure | |||
| risks = [[Sun exposure]], [[family history]] of moles | |||
| diagnosis = [[Dermatoscopy]], [[biopsy]] if suspicious | |||
| differential = [[Melanoma]], [[seborrheic keratosis]], [[lentigo]] | |||
| prevention = [[Sun protection]], regular skin checks | |||
| treatment = Usually none required, [[surgical excision]] if necessary | |||
| prognosis = Excellent, very low risk of malignancy | |||
| frequency = Very common, most people have at least one | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Normal_mole_with_no_color_differences.jpg|Normal mole with no color differences|left|thumb]] '''Benign melanocytic nevus''' | |||
A '''benign melanocytic nevus''' (plural: nevi) is a type of [[skin]] lesion that is typically non-cancerous. These lesions are commonly referred to as moles and are composed of [[melanocytes]], the cells responsible for producing [[melanin]], the pigment that gives skin its color. | A '''benign melanocytic nevus''' (plural: nevi) is a type of [[skin]] lesion that is typically non-cancerous. These lesions are commonly referred to as moles and are composed of [[melanocytes]], the cells responsible for producing [[melanin]], the pigment that gives skin its color. | ||
==Classification== | ==Classification== | ||
Benign melanocytic nevi can be classified into several types based on their appearance and location within the skin layers: | Benign melanocytic nevi can be classified into several types based on their appearance and location within the skin layers: | ||
| Line 8: | Line 26: | ||
* '''Compound nevi''': These involve both the epidermis and dermis. | * '''Compound nevi''': These involve both the epidermis and dermis. | ||
* '''Intradermal nevi''': These are located entirely within the dermis. | * '''Intradermal nevi''': These are located entirely within the dermis. | ||
==Appearance== | ==Appearance== | ||
Benign melanocytic nevi are usually round or oval in shape and can vary in color from pink to dark brown. They are generally less than 6 millimeters in diameter, although some can be larger. The surface can be smooth, rough, or even hairy. | Benign melanocytic nevi are usually round or oval in shape and can vary in color from pink to dark brown. They are generally less than 6 millimeters in diameter, although some can be larger. The surface can be smooth, rough, or even hairy. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
The exact cause of benign melanocytic nevi is not fully understood, but they are believed to result from a combination of genetic factors and [[sun exposure]]. They often appear during childhood and adolescence and can change in appearance over time. | The exact cause of benign melanocytic nevi is not fully understood, but they are believed to result from a combination of genetic factors and [[sun exposure]]. They often appear during childhood and adolescence and can change in appearance over time. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of a benign melanocytic nevus is typically made through a [[physical examination]] by a [[dermatologist]]. In some cases, a [[dermoscopy|dermoscopic]] examination may be used to provide a more detailed view of the lesion. If there is any concern about the lesion being malignant, a [[biopsy]] may be performed. | Diagnosis of a benign melanocytic nevus is typically made through a [[physical examination]] by a [[dermatologist]]. In some cases, a [[dermoscopy|dermoscopic]] examination may be used to provide a more detailed view of the lesion. If there is any concern about the lesion being malignant, a [[biopsy]] may be performed. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Most benign melanocytic nevi do not require treatment. However, if a nevus changes in appearance, becomes symptomatic, or is cosmetically undesirable, it can be removed through various methods such as [[surgical excision]], [[shave excision]], or [[laser therapy]]. | Most benign melanocytic nevi do not require treatment. However, if a nevus changes in appearance, becomes symptomatic, or is cosmetically undesirable, it can be removed through various methods such as [[surgical excision]], [[shave excision]], or [[laser therapy]]. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for benign melanocytic nevi is generally excellent. They are usually harmless and do not pose any significant health risks. However, it is important to monitor them for any changes that could indicate malignancy, such as [[melanoma]]. | The prognosis for benign melanocytic nevi is generally excellent. They are usually harmless and do not pose any significant health risks. However, it is important to monitor them for any changes that could indicate malignancy, such as [[melanoma]]. | ||
==Related Conditions== | ==Related Conditions== | ||
* [[Dysplastic nevus]] | * [[Dysplastic nevus]] | ||
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* [[Seborrheic keratosis]] | * [[Seborrheic keratosis]] | ||
* [[Lentigo]] | * [[Lentigo]] | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
* [[Dermatology]] | * [[Dermatology]] | ||
* [[Skin cancer]] | * [[Skin cancer]] | ||
* [[Nevus]] | * [[Nevus]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
{{Commons category|Benign melanocytic nevus}} | {{Commons category|Benign melanocytic nevus}} | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Skin conditions]] | [[Category:Skin conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Melanocytic nevi and neoplasms]] | [[Category:Melanocytic nevi and neoplasms]] | ||
[[Category:Medicine]] | [[Category:Medicine]] | ||
{{medicine-stub}} | {{medicine-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 19:47, 4 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
| Benign melanocytic nevus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Mole, nevocytic nevus |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Pigmented skin lesion, usually brown, black, or flesh-colored |
| Complications | Rarely, transformation to melanoma |
| Onset | Childhood or early adulthood |
| Duration | Lifelong |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Genetic factors, UV radiation exposure |
| Risks | Sun exposure, family history of moles |
| Diagnosis | Dermatoscopy, biopsy if suspicious |
| Differential diagnosis | Melanoma, seborrheic keratosis, lentigo |
| Prevention | Sun protection, regular skin checks |
| Treatment | Usually none required, surgical excision if necessary |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Excellent, very low risk of malignancy |
| Frequency | Very common, most people have at least one |
| Deaths | N/A |
Benign melanocytic nevus
A benign melanocytic nevus (plural: nevi) is a type of skin lesion that is typically non-cancerous. These lesions are commonly referred to as moles and are composed of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.
Classification[edit]
Benign melanocytic nevi can be classified into several types based on their appearance and location within the skin layers:
- Junctional nevi: These are located at the junction of the epidermis and dermis.
- Compound nevi: These involve both the epidermis and dermis.
- Intradermal nevi: These are located entirely within the dermis.
Appearance[edit]
Benign melanocytic nevi are usually round or oval in shape and can vary in color from pink to dark brown. They are generally less than 6 millimeters in diameter, although some can be larger. The surface can be smooth, rough, or even hairy.
Causes[edit]
The exact cause of benign melanocytic nevi is not fully understood, but they are believed to result from a combination of genetic factors and sun exposure. They often appear during childhood and adolescence and can change in appearance over time.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of a benign melanocytic nevus is typically made through a physical examination by a dermatologist. In some cases, a dermoscopic examination may be used to provide a more detailed view of the lesion. If there is any concern about the lesion being malignant, a biopsy may be performed.
Treatment[edit]
Most benign melanocytic nevi do not require treatment. However, if a nevus changes in appearance, becomes symptomatic, or is cosmetically undesirable, it can be removed through various methods such as surgical excision, shave excision, or laser therapy.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for benign melanocytic nevi is generally excellent. They are usually harmless and do not pose any significant health risks. However, it is important to monitor them for any changes that could indicate malignancy, such as melanoma.
Related Conditions[edit]
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
<references group="" responsive="1"></references>
External Links[edit]
