Are You Confident of the Diagnosis? What you should be alert for in the history Eruptive nevus describes a clinicopathologic entity in which nevi “erupt” in a variety of different clinical settings, typically in relationship to derangements in immunity. Rather than nevi developing slowly over long periods of time, patients with eruptive nevi have a…
Are You Confident of the Diagnosis? An overview of nevi Melanocytic nevi (typically shortened to “nevi”) are benign neoplasms of melanocytes found within the skin and are commonly referred to as “moles.” Nevi commonly first occur in childhood, although some nevi may be present at birth (so-called “congenital nevi”). Nevi commonly continue to develop into…
Are You Confident of the Diagnosis? The term ’recurrent nevus’ is used when there is evidence that a benign melanocytic nevus has recurred at a site, typically after incomplete removal from a prior biopsy (Figure 1, Figure 2). Some authors distinguish between a ’persistent nevus’, which is one where there was clinical evidence (ie, residual…
Are You Confident of the Diagnosis? Halo nevi occur when there is an area of depigmentation surrounding a previously existing nevus. The loss of pigmentation generally occurs beyond the borders of the original nevus and may occur over the course of several months or even years. Over time, the original nevus may involute, leaving only…
Are You Confident of the Diagnosis? Blue nevi (BN) are benign melanocytic neoplasms that can be congenital or acquired. On physical examination, they have a characteristic blue-gray color rather than the brown color commonly seen in benign nevi. This blue-gray color is attributed to the deep dermal location of melanin in this entity. Because the…
Nevus Spilus [Speckled Lentiginous Nevus, Naevus Sur Naevus] Are You Confident of the Diagnosis? Characteristic findings on physical examination A nevus spilus (NS) or speckled lentiginous nevus (SLN) typically presents before the age of 2 as a light brown macule or patch containing smaller, more darkly pigmented macules or papules within the borders (Figure 1).…
