Abstract: The term “melanocytic nevus” is suggested as more satisfactory than the designation pigmented nevus or common “mole” because the lesion is made up of melanocytes. This name will differentiate it from pigmented spots of other cellular constituents with which it is often confused. Approximately 50 per cent of the melanomas that arise on the skin start in melanocytic nevi that present the pathologic picture of junctional activity. Melanocytic nevi where junctional activity is absent do not ordinarily give rise to malignancy. Based on clinical features the presence or absence of junctional activity in melanocytic nevi can be clinically predicted with a fair degree of reliability. It becomes possible, therefore, with reasonable accuracy, to recommend for prophylactic removal those lesions which are potentially malignant. Melanocytic nevi having junctional activity are apt to be flat, slightly elevated, elevated with a surrounding flat pigmented ring, or verrucous in appearance; while those that are elevated, sessile, polypoid, or pedunculated are usually free of junctional activity. Junctional activity tends to be lost with age in most nevi. It is likely to be retained, however, in nevi on the hands, feet, and the anogenitalia. It is felt that melanocytic nevi may be prophylactically removed when they (1) show signs of incipient malignancy, (2) are present on the hands, feet, and anogenitalia, (3) are subject to trauma, and (4) show signs of having retained junctional activity after the age of 40. All nevi removed prophylactically should be adequately excised and examined histologically.
Publication Year: 1957
Publication Date: 1957-08-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref', 'pubmed']
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Cited By Count: 10
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