Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Melanocytic Naevi (melanocytic + naevi)
Kinds of Melanocytic Naevi Selected AbstractsSurgical approach to benign small papular and dome-shaped melanocytic naevi on the faceJOURNAL OF COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3-4 2003U Tursen Summary Patients frequently request removal of benign papular and dome-shaped naevi for cosmetic or functional reasons. Melanocytic naevi can be removed by elliptical, round, punch or shave excision or destroyed using electrodessication or cryotherapy. Total elliptical excision is probably the most widely used method of removal. If malignancy is suspected, adequate specimens for histological interpretation are required. When malignancy is not suspected, the cosmetic result becomes the first priority. Smaller incisions minimize tissue trauma and so give cosmetically superior results. Round excision has been recommended for the removal of moles but has not been widely practised. Round excision and punch excision may be better alternatives than conventional fusiform excision of benign dome-shaped or papular naevi of the face, as more tissue is preserved. Shave excision of naevi may be preferable to elliptical excision in sites where the incidence of hypertrophic scarring is high, as preservation of some thickness of the dermis may result in a more acceptable scar or even avoid a scar entirely. Expedient and simple surgery with excellent cosmetic results can be accomplished by the use of punches. Cryotherapy with cutting or curetting and electrodesiccation combined with shaving have been described. Round excision may be a better alternative to conventional fusiform or shave excision of benign papular or dome-shape nevus of the face because it leaves an almost imperceptible scar. In this technique, less skin is excised and histopathological examination can be done. [source] The prevalence of melanocytic naevi among schoolchildren in South HungaryJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 12 2008Z Csoma Abstract Background, Malignant melanoma is an increasing public health problem worldwide; accordingly, identification of the constitutional and environmental factors which contribute to the development of the disease, and hence identification of the individuals at high risk of melanoma, is an indispensable step in all primary prevention efforts. Objectives, This paper aims to assess the prevalence of different pigmented lesions among schoolchildren and to investigate their relationship with phenotypic pigmentary characteristics, sun exposure and other factors. Patients/methods, A cross-sectional study was performed in two secondary schools in Szeged, Hungary. A total of 1320 schoolchildren, aged 14 to 18 years, underwent a whole-body skin examination. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect data on phenotypic, sun exposure and other variables. Results, One to 10 common melanocytic naevi were found in 27% of the participants, and the naevus numbers were in the range of 10,100 in 67%; 5.4% of them had more than 100 common melanocytic naevi. The prevalence of clinically atypical naevi was 24.3%. Statistically significant associations were found between the number of pigmented lesions and gender, hair colour, eye colour, skin phototype, a history of severe painful sunburns and a family history of a large number of melanocytic naevi. Conclusion, Our study population displayed a markedly high prevalence of clinically atypical melanocytic naevi. Moreover, a considerable proportion of the investigated individuals had multiple common melanocytic naevi. Since the presence of a large number of melanocytic naevi is a strong predictor for future melanoma development, health educational programmes on melanoma prevention should be aimed at young age groups. [source] Mental health in patients with systemic sclerosis: a controlled investigationJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 3 2008A Mozzetta Abstract Background Despite the undeniable impact of systemic sclerosis (SS) on quality of life, only a few studies so far have focused on its psychiatric or psychological aspects. We aimed at assessing psychiatric symptoms and self-image in inpatients with SS and comparing them with patients with either a very mild skin condition or a serious skin condition. Methods Three groups were recruited: (i) 38 consecutive female inpatients with SS; (ii) 38 age-matched female outpatients with melanocytic naevi; (iii) 35 age-matched female inpatients with melanoma. All participants completed the Zung Anxiety Scale, the Zung Depression Scale and a self-report questionnaire measuring self-perceived personal qualities. Patients with SS were also clinically interviewed by a psychologist. Results The clinical interview revealed the presence of a psychiatric disorder in most (81%) patients with SS. The Zung scales corroborated the presence of mild to moderate anxiety and depression among patients with SS, who scored significantly higher than patients with either naevi or melanoma on both scales. Scores on the questionnaire assessing self-perceived personal qualities were very similar in the three groups and indicated a fairly high level of self-esteem. Conclusions This study suggested that psychosocial issues are quite relevant in patients with SS and underscored the need for a biopsychosocial approach to the clinical management of these patients. Timely detection of psychosocial difficulties and appropriate psychological or psychiatric intervention may represent important steps toward better adherence to medical treatment and improved psychological well-being and quality of life. [source] Admixed desmoplastic trichoepithelioma and benign melanocytic naeviJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 3 2008DA Fairhurst [source] Analysis of melanocytic naevi by dermoscopy during pregnancyJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 3 2003K Gunduz [source] Large congenital melanocytic naevi: clinical considerations based on 27 patientsJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 2 2003C Baykal [source] Melanoma in organ transplant recipients: The old enemy finds a new battlegroundAUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2007Quan Q Dinh SUMMARY Population registry data and published studies have demonstrated that melanomas in the transplant population occur 1.6,2.5 times more commonly compared with the general population. Studies examining possible risk factors have suggested that in this patient population, there is an increased number of melanocytic naevi. Whether this phenomenon is aetiologically related to subsequent melanoma development is currently unclear. Only one study examined the prognosis of melanomas in this population. The Israel Penn International Transplant Tumor Registry has collated patient data voluntarily submitted by transplant physicians throughout the USA since 1968. Analysis of melanomas in this study found that approximately half were Breslow thickness >1.51 mm. Overall, there was a high rate of nodal and distant metastases, with poorer 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates compared with the general population. There is a paucity of good-quality evidence regarding melanoma in organ transplant recipients. Further research involving international collaborative trials, particularly on risk factors and the prognosis of melanomas in this population, could present a more substantial evidence base from which treatment guidelines based on data could be developed. [source] Complications of congenital melanocytic naevi in children: analysis of 16 years' experience and clinical practiceBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2008V.A. Kinsler Summary Background, Congenital melanocytic naevi (CMNs) can be associated with abnormalities of the cental nervous system (CNS) and/or with melanoma. Quoted incidences for these complications vary in the literature, as do recommendations for investigations and follow-up. Objectives, To determine the incidence of complications, and to identify phenotypic features associated with a higher risk of complications. Methods, We reviewed records of 224 patients with CMNs seen in Dermatology clinic between 1991 and 2007. Patients were excluded if they had a complication at the time of referral. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the CNS was offered on the basis of CMN phenotype. Follow up was in clinic and/or by postal questionnaires. Results, One hundred and twenty patients (54 boys and 66 girls) who had MRI of the CNS were included in the analysis. Mean age at MRI was 2·46 years (median 1·20). Mean follow up was 8·35 years (median 7·86). Sixty-five per cent had naevi > 20 cm projected adult size or multiple CMNs (40% > 40 cm), and 83% had satellite lesions at birth. Outcome measures were MRI abnormality, clinical neurological abnormality, any tumour, malignant melanoma, and death. No complications were seen in the 16 patients with no satellite lesions at birth. MRI and/or clinical neurological abnormalities were found in 22 patients (18%) and were significantly associated with projected adult size of the CMN (particularly > 40 cm), and independently with male gender. Tumours occurred in five patients, two of which were malignant melanoma (1·7%). Due to small numbers there was no significant association between phenotype and occurrence of tumours. Three patients (2·5%) died (one from neuromelanosis and two from melanoma in patients with normal MRI scans). Death was significantly associated with CMN size > 40 cm. Importantly, there was no significant association between CMN distribution (including posterior axial location) and adverse outcomes. Conclusions, This is the largest study of CNS imaging in patients with CMNs. We report a newly recognized association between male gender and neurological complications, dispute the previously reported association between CMN site and neurological complications, and quantify the associations between CMN size, satellite lesions and neurological complications. We make recommendations for the management of these patients. [source] Dermoscopic monitoring of melanocytic skin lesions: clinical outcome and patient compliance vary according to follow-up protocolsBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2008G. Argenziano Summary Background, Dermoscopic monitoring of melanocytic lesions increases the likelihood that featureless melanomas are not overlooked and minimizes the excision of benign lesions. Objective, To examine clinical outcome and patient compliance using different follow-up protocols. Methods, A retrospective analysis of 600 lesions from 405 patients (aged 6,79 years) was performed to examine patient compliance and clinical outcome in patients with multiple atypical melanocytic lesions undergoing sequential dermoscopy imaging during short-, medium- or long-term follow-up. Based on the degree of dermoscopic atypical features, patients were scheduled for short-term monitoring with follow-up after 3 months, medium-term monitoring with follow-up after 6 months or long-term monitoring with annual follow-up. Criteria leading to excision of monitored lesions differed according to the follow-up protocol. Results, In a median follow-up period of 23 months, 54 (9%) lesions were excised, revealing 12 early melanomas (occurring in 3% of monitored patients), one basal cell carcinoma and 41 melanocytic naevi. The melanoma/benign ratio of excised lesions was 1 : 3·4. Seven of 12 melanomas showed changes after two to four visits, corresponding to 8,54 months of follow-up. Patient compliance was 84% for short-term monitoring, 63% for medium-term monitoring and 30% for long-term monitoring. Conclusions, In patients with multiple naevi sequential dermoscopy imaging is a useful strategy to avoid missing melanomas while minimizing unnecessary excision of benign lesions. For better compliance, the first re-examination should be scheduled at 3 months after the baseline visit. Regular annual follow-up monitoring is also needed to detect slow-growing melanomas in which subtle changes may become apparent only over time. [source] Correlation with digital dermoscopic images can help dermatopathologists to diagnose equivocal skin tumoursBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2006J. Bauer Summary Background, A variety of pigmented skin tumours can lead to diagnostic difficulties in dermatopathology. Objectives, To investigate whether the interobserver agreement between histopathological diagnoses of equivocal pigmented tumours made by two referral centres can be improved by additional use of dermoscopic images. Material and methods, Retrospective study using 160 tumours excised in the pigmented skin lesions clinic in Graz and 141 from Tübingen. Tumours were diagnosed in the referring centres using clinical data, histopathology and, if required, immunohistochemistry. The tumours were initially diagnosed as 74 melanomas, 218 melanocytic naevi and nine nonmelanocytic tumours. Haematoxylin and eosin sections, patients' age and sex, tumour localization and digital dermoscopic images were then exchanged between the participating centres. Then, diagnoses were made initially based solely on dermatopathology and clinical information. After a washout phase, the same sections were reevaluated with the additional use of dermoscopic images. The main outcome measures were the Cohen's , -coefficients of the initial diagnoses of the centre submitting the cases and the diagnoses of the other centre without and with dermoscopy. Results, The , -coefficient between the initial diagnoses with those made by the second centre without dermoscopy was 0·90 in Graz, 0·73 in Tübingen, and 0·81 overall. With the additional use of dermoscopy the , -value was invariably high with 0·89 in Graz, and improved to 0·87 in Tübingen, and to 0·88 overall. Conclusions, The additional use of digital dermoscopic images further improved the overall very good agreement of histopathological diagnoses between two referral centres. [source] Instrument-, age- and site-dependent variations of dermoscopic patterns of congenital melanocytic naevi: a multicentre studyBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2006S. Seidenari Summary Background, Recently, we identified and described dermoscopic aspects, present with a higher frequency in congenital melanocytic lesions with respect to acquired naevi. We also classified small- and medium-sized congenital naevi (CN) into nine subtypes according to their macroscopic and dermoscopic aspects. Objectives, Because the recognition of dermoscopic features may be instrument dependent, in this study, we wanted to check whether dermoscopic patterns specific for CN can be identified in digital images acquired by means of different instruments. We also wanted to check the validity of our previously proposed classification and assess possible age- and site-dependent variations of dermoscopic patterns and naevus subtypes. Patients/methods, Images corresponding to 384 small- or medium-sized CN were collected in eight different centres employing four different instruments. Lesion images were evaluated and checked for the presence of specific dermoscopic criteria, classified, and compared with a database of 350 acquired naevi. Results, Specific and unspecific dermoscopic features were identifiable in images acquired by means of all four instrument types. The mean number of identified features per lesion did not vary according to the instrument employed for the acquisition of the images; however, it was lower for lesions recorded employing low magnifications. The previously proposed classification was easily applied to the whole image database. The variegated naevus type was identified as a highly specific clinical/dermoscopic pattern. Dermoscopic features varied according to age and location. The globular type prevailed in subjects under 11 years of age and on the trunk, whereas the majority of reticular lesions were located on the limbs. Conclusions, Because definite clinical and histological criteria for the diagnosis of the congenital nature of naevi are lacking, the use of dermoscopy can be of great help in identifying those lesions where the presence of specific dermoscopic features makes the diagnosis of CN more likely. Moreover, dermoscopy can be useful both for the classification of lesions already identified as congenital according to definite clinical and anamnestic data and for a possible correlation of naevus phenotype and dermoscopic patterns to the risk of developing a malignant melanoma in prospective studies. [source] Single genetic mutations can account for melanocytic naeviBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2005R.W. Blewitt Summary Background, The nature of melanocytic naevi is unknown notwithstanding their considerable significance for clinician and pathologist and despite the wealth of existing knowledge about melanocyte biology. Objectives, To investigate how far a simple mutational model can explain the clinical and pathological features of melanocytic naevi, in particular their pattern of onset and frequency. Methods, I have constructed a model of the development of the adult melanocyte population from a single stem cell. The total cutaneous melanocyte population in a human adult is already known, as well as the range of spontaneous mutation rates at a given gene site. For each cycle of mitosis during the post stem-cell expansion of the melanocyte population, I calculate the accumulated number of cells likely to be mutated at a particular (although unknown) gene site. The results are interpreted in the light of a hypothesis that each of these mutant melanocytes will go on to form a melanocytic naevus. Comparisons are made with neurofibromas, occurring in type 1 neurofibromatosis and as sporadic lesions. Results, A single genetic mutation in melanocyte precursors is found to be sufficient to explain the clinical and pathological features of melanocytic naevi. Conclusions, I propose that melanocytic naevi are a consequence of single spontaneous genetic mutations which inevitably occur during the development of the adult population of cutaneous melanocytes. [source] Association of melanoma and neurocutaneous melanocytosis with large congenital melanocytic naevi,results from the NYU,LCMN registryBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2005E.K. Hale Summary Background, Large congenital melanocytic naevi (LCMN), which develop in utero and are present in approximately one in 20 000 newborns, are associated with markedly increased risks of cutaneous melanoma, leptomeningeal melanoma and neurocutaneous melanocytosis (NCM). Objectives, This study examined clinical characteristics associated with melanoma and NCM among patients with LCMN, and estimated the risk of developing melanoma and NCM in these patients. Methods, Two hundred and five LCMN patients enrolled in the New York University registry were studied. One hundred and seventy of these patients were followed prospectively. The remaining 35 patients had either melanoma at the time of entry into the registry (n = 6), or had insufficient follow-up information (n = 29). The outcome measures were the occurrence of melanoma and NCM. The associations between these outcomes and the clinical covariates (anatomical location of the LCMN, size of the LCMN, number of satellite lesions, family history of melanoma, patient sex and treatment) were assessed. Results, Four of 170 (2·3%) prospectively followed patients developed melanomas, representing a standardized morbidity ratio of 324. Among the entire cohort (n = 205), there were associations between increasing numbers of satellite naevi and the occurrence of melanoma (P = 0·04), and the presence of NCM (P = 0·06). Compared with patients who did not develop these diseases, median LCMN diameters were larger among patients who developed melanoma (49 vs. 39 cm) and NCM (55 vs. 46 cm). Conclusions, In LCMN patients, increasing numbers of satellite lesions and larger LCMN diameters are associated with melanoma and NCM. [source] Surveillance of patients at high risk for cutaneous malignant melanoma using digital dermoscopyBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2005J. Bauer Summary Background, Dermoscopy has improved the sensitivity and specificity of clinical diagnosis of melanoma from 60% to over 90%. However, in order not to miss melanoma a certain percentage of suspicious but benign lesions has to be excised. Objectives, To evaluate the dermoscopic changes and the rates of excision in benign melanocytic naevi and cutaneous malignant melanoma in long-term follow-up of high-risk patients using digital dermoscopy. Methods, Digital dermoscopic images of 2015 atypical melanocytic naevi in 196 high-risk patients were analysed retrospectively. Among others, the following data were collected for each naevus: changes in surface area, overall architecture, dermoscopic patterns and distribution of pigmentation. All tumours suspicious for melanoma or showing asymmetrical changes were excised. Results, During a median follow-up time of 25 months 128 (6·4%) of all naevi showed changes in size or architecture. Eighty-six per cent of all changes in patients who attended more than one visit were observed at the first follow-up visit. Thirty-three lesions showing changes were excised and two melanomas in situ and 31 melanocytic naevi were diagnosed. Conclusions, Follow-up examinations using digital dermoscopy revealed unchanged morphology in the large majority of melanocytic naevi. Excisions were only performed in cases of asymmetrical growth, asymmetrical changes of pigmentation, or development of dermoscopic features indicative of melanoma. The ratio of 33 lesions excised in order to identify two melanomas in situ seems reasonable and may be further reduced in future. [source] The role of pattern analysis and the ABCD rule of dermoscopy in the detection of histological atypia in melanocytic naeviBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2000P. Carli Background,Clinical features of melanocytic naevi correlate poorly with the presence, histopathologically, of architectural disorder and cytological atypia, making the detection of histological atypia by means of macroscopic appearance unreliable. Objectives,The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic effectiveness of dermoscopy in the non-invasive detection of histological atypia in naevi. Methods,Observers blinded for histological diagnosis classified a series of 168 melanocytic naevi as common or atypical on the basis of their clinical features and on their dermoscopic profile. The diagnostic performance of both methods compared with the true (histopathological) diagnosis was assessed. Results,Dermoscopy using pattern analysis showed better results than clinical examination in the non-invasive detection of naevi with architectural disorder with or without cytological atypia (diagnostic accuracy 45% vs. 28%). A statistically significant difference in the frequency of dermoscopic parameters between atypical and common naevi was found for atypical pigment network (39% vs. 17%, P = 0·001) and dermoscopic regression structures (13% vs. 2%, P = 0·008). Dermoscopic features, which best predicted histological atypia in naevi, were regression structures (white scar-like areas or peppering), irregular vascular pattern and grey,blue areas (positive predictive values 83%, 83% and 73%, respectively). In contrast, no statistically significant difference in the mean values of the ABCD score between common and atypical naevi was found. The best diagnostic performance of dermoscopy by means of the ABCD rule (cut-off point of 4·0 of total dermoscopy score) was not dissimilar to that of clinical diagnosis (diagnostic accuracy 30%). Conclusions,Dermoscopy by means of pattern analysis enhances the diagnostic accuracy of dermatologists in the prediction of histological atypia in melanocytic naevi as compared with clinical examination alone. [source] Speckled lentiginous naevus: which of the two disorders do you mean?CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2009R. Happle Summary Speckled lentiginous naevus (synonym: naevus spilus) no longer represents one clinical entity, but rather, two different disorders can be distinguished. Naevus spilus maculosus is consistently found in phacomatosis spilorosea, whereas naevus spilus papulosus represents a hallmark of phacomatosis pigmentokeratotica. The macular type is characterized by dark speckles that are completely flat and rather evenly distributed on a light brown background, resembling a polka-dot pattern. In contrast, naevus spilus papulosus is defined by dark papules that are of different sizes and rather unevenly distributed, reminiscent of a star map. Histopathologically, the dark spots of naevus spilus maculosus show a ,jentigo' pattern and several nests of melanocytes involving the dermoepidermal junction at the tips of the papillae, whereas most of the dark speckles of naevus spilus papulosus are found to be dermal or compound melanocytic naevi. The propensity to develop Spitz naevi appears to be the same in both types of speckled lentiginous naevus, whereas development of malignant melanoma has been reported far more commonly in naevus spilus maculosus. [source] Photographic artefact resembling melanocytic naeviCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2007J. K. Gass No abstract is available for this article. [source] | ||||||||||