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Nevi (Benign Melanocytic)

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European Handbook of Dermatological Treatments

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Abstract

Melanocytic nevi represent the most common benign lesion of the skin and human body overall. They are extremely common in Caucasians and can arise in any anatomic site. Nevi are classified into congenital and acquired nevi. The former can be present at birth or develop within the first 2 years of life or early in childhood. The latter arise later in life, manifest a wide clinical and histological variation, and they are further categorized into several entities such as common acquired nevus, atypical (dysplastic) nevus, blue nevus, Spitz/Reed nevus, and halo nevus. The link between nevi and melanoma remains one of the most challenging subjects in the field of dermato-oncology. Up-to-date knowledge shows that melanocytic nevi are not precursors of melanoma. However, the presence of a large number of nevi or special types of nevi (i.e., atypical nevi, giant congenital nevi) is associated with a higher risk for the development of melanoma. Preventive surgical excision is not required, and this therapeutic choice is selected only for lesions in the gray zone clinico-dermatoscopically between the nevus and melanoma. Thus, melanocytic nevi at special anatomic sites, atypical nevi, and lesions with an intriguing clinical/dermatoscopic presentation should be followed up by means of dermatoscopy in a more regular basis.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 2nd Department of Dermatology and Venereology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, “Attikon” General University Hospital, Athens, Greece

    Alexander C. Katoulis & Dimitrios Sgouros

  2. Emeritus of Dermatology and Venereology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece

    Nikolaos G. Stavrianeas

Authors
  1. Alexander C. Katoulis
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  2. Dimitrios Sgouros
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  3. Nikolaos G. Stavrianeas
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Andreas Syggros Hospital, Athens State University, Athens, Greece

    Andreas D. Katsambas

  2. Research Center CSRMR, Marconi University, Rome, Roma, Italy

    Torello M. Lotti

  3. Andreas Syggros Hospital, Athens State University, Athens, Greece

    Clio Dessinioti

  4. Dermatoloy Unit, Livorno Hospital, Livorno, Italy

    Angelo Massimiliano D'Erme

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Katoulis, A.C., Sgouros, D., Stavrianeas, N.G. (2023). Nevi (Benign Melanocytic). In: Katsambas, A.D., Lotti, T.M., Dessinioti, C., D'Erme, A.M. (eds) European Handbook of Dermatological Treatments. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15130-9_63

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15130-9_63

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