CONDITIONS
Benign Melanocytic Nevi
What is benign melanocytic nevus?
Melanocytic nevi (moles) are a collection of non-cancerous neoplasms and hamartomas, compromised of melanocytes, the pigment-secreting cells. A melanocytic nevus is a disorder that affects the skin's surface and is characterised by a darker patch of skin (nevus) made up of melanocytes. Initially, the nevus may be very small in babies but soon grows to about 40 cm as the body ages.
The nevus can form on any area of the body but is commonly found on the limbs or trunk. The colour of the skin's patch may be black or tan, but it can change in hue (becoming lighter or darker) as you age.
What causes benign melanocytic nevi?
Mutations affecting the NRAS gene can lead to congenital melanocytic nevus. It’s rare for mutations affecting the BRAF gene to cause this. Apart from genetics, overexposure to ultraviolet rays can lead to melanocytic nevi. A hormone imbalance, a common side effect of diabetes and pregnancy, can also cause melanocytic nevi.
What are the related symptoms?
Typically, congenital melanocytic nevi appear asymptomatic. However, the larger types of nevi can cause the skin to become itchy.
You need to seek medical attention immediately should you develop the following symptoms:
- Chronic itching
- Bleeding from the skin
- Crusting of the skin
Typical symptoms of melanocytic nevi include the following:
- Oval or round skin patches
- It can cover a small, localised area or appear expansive, covering the entire arm or leg.
- Flat or wrinkled surface
- Change in the hue or texture of the mole
What are the possible treatment options for benign melanocytic nevi?
A melanocytic nevus can be surgically removed for cosmetic reasons or a biological concern that the lesion may cause future complications. For example, the removal of melanocytic nevi for cosmesis is done through a shave excision. Conversely, a punch excision is ideal for much smaller skin lesions.
There are various treatment options for melanocytic nevi, such as the following:
- Laser removal utilises regulated light beams to remove the mark on the skin by stimulating the production of collagen.
- Dermabrasion is carried out during the early weeks of the mole’s development. Then, a special diamond-tipped device is used to remove the affected skin layers.
- Chemical peels that contain phenol or trichloroacetic acid reduce the appearance of the mole.
Most forms of melanocytic nevi do not necessarily require a specific treatment. Some forms of nevi can be benign and may only be removed due to irritation or based on its appearance.
Congenital pigmented nevus is removed to reduce the risk of melanoma and improve the skin's physical appearance.
Melanocytes may proliferate and come into contact with each other, forming nests, which are tiny collections of cells.
Nevi are comprised of cells and appear as pink, tan or brown spots.
