Melanocytic naevi (moles)

Moles are a benign overgrowth of melanocytes that are common in white-skinned people. They appear in childhood and increase in number and size during adolescence and early adult life. They often start as flat brown macules with proliferation of melanocytes at the dermoepidermal junction (junctional naevi). The melanocytes continue to proliferate and grow down into the dermis (compound naevi), which causes an elevation of the mole above the skin surface. The pigmentation is usually even and the border regular. They eventually mature into a dermal naevus (cellular naevus), often with a loss of pigment.

Blue naevus is an acquired asymptomatic blue-looking mole. It is due to a proliferation of melanocytes deep in the mid-dermis.

Giant congenital melanocytic naevi

These are very large moles present at birth. They show an increased risk of developing malignant melanoma. Excision should be performed if possible.

Bookmark This Page:   :: :: ::

What others have contributed to this page?

Use the form below.