Via practica 3/2011

Congenital, acquired dysplastic and risk melanocytic naevi

Pigmented naevi are benign skin lesions, arising from deposited multiplying and melanocytic transformation, mainly in the basal layer of epidermis, or in dermo-epidermal junction, or in dermis. Large and giant congenital naevi represent difficult decision for physician and parents as well, in consideration of their malignant potential (4 – 6 % risk of melanoma developing). Dysplastic naevi in clinical appearance often imitate initial melanoma. Risk of arising melanoma directly in melanocytic naevus is however low. It is not necessary to remove preventively clinically settled naevi, because melanoma can often appears on the healthy skin, where before no naevus was. Beneficial for patient is disclaimer about clinical appearance of initial melanoma, instruction about self-examination of skin surface and necessity to visit dermatologist, when the naevus is changing.

Keywords: congenital, acquired, atypical melanocytic naevi, risk of melanoma development