Melanocytic nevus physical examination

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Qurrat-ul-ain Abid, M.D.[2]; Martin I. Newman, M.D., FACS, Cleveland Clinic Florida, [3]; Michel C. Samson, M.D., FRCSC, FACS [4]

Overview

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the most common types of moles are skin tags, raised moles and flat moles.

Physical Findings

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the most common types of moles are skin tags, raised moles and flat moles.

Untroublesome moles are usually circular or oval and not very large.

If malignant

It often requires a dermatologist to fully evaluate moles. For instance, a small blue or bluish black spot, often called a blue nevus, is usually benign but often mistaken for melanoma. Conversely, a junctional nevus, which develops at the junction of the dermis and epidermis, is potentially cancerous.

A basic reference chart used for consumers to spot suspicious moles is found in the mnemonic, A-B-C-D. The letters stand for Asymmetry, Border, Color and Diameter. Sometimes, the letter E (for Evolving) is added. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, if a mole starts changing in size, color, shape or, especially, if the border of a mole develops ragged edges or becomes larger than a pencil eraser, it would be an appropriate time to consult with a physician. Other warning signs include a mole, even if smaller than a pencil eraser, that is different than the others and begins to crust over, bleed, itch, or becomes inflamed. The changes may indicate developing melanomas. The matter can become clinically complicated because mole removal depends on which types of cancer, if any, comes into suspicion.

Physical Examination

Skin

gallery Image:Melanocytic_naevi_01.jpeg|Melanocytic Naevi.
With permission from Dermatology Atlas<ref name="www.atlasdermatologico.com.br">"Dermatology Atlas". </gallery>

Melanocytic Naevi Congenital

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  Melanocytic Naevi Congenital.
  With permission from Dermatology Atlas<ref name="www.atlasdermatologico.com.br">"Dermatology Atlas".

Melanocytic Naevi Intradermal

• 
  Melanocytic Naevi Intradermal.
  With permission from Dermatology Atlas<ref name="www.atlasdermatologico.com.br">"Dermatology Atlas".

References

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