Clinical Pearls: Nevus

Ashfaq Marghoob, MD

Here are some important takeaway points from Dr Marghoob’s presentation during the Pigmented Lesion session at Maui Derm NP+PA Summer 2015…

• Globular nevi, reticular nevi, starburst nevi, homogeneous blue nevi are all biologically distinct subsets of nevi
• Peripheral globular and starburst pattern correlate with the radial growth phase of dysplastic nevi and Spitz/Reeds nevi respectively
• DN and Spitz nevi are markers for increased risk for developing melanoma
• DN are markers for increased risk for melanoma and potential precursors to melanoma
• Congenital nevi have a 1-5% risk for developing an associated melanoma
• Screening for melanoma requires looking for lesions that are different, uneven in distribution of texture/color (ABCD), and/or changing
• Dermoscopy improves the clinical sensitivity and specificity for cutaneous malignancy