Melanocytic nevus - Melanocytic nevus

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In detail, the melanocytic nevus is a hyperpigmented skin lesion of a benign nature which, however, can evolve into a malignant form, thus causing the onset of skin tumors such as melanoma.

Currently known melanocytic nevi are many, each characterized by its own peculiarities that distinguish it from the other types. However, despite this diversity, the treatment undertaken to eliminate them is generally one: surgical removal.

responsible for the secretion of the melanin pigment. More precisely, the melanocytic nevus is formed following a "high - albeit benign - proliferation of the aforementioned cells.

In other words, this type of nevus - defined in common language simply as "neo" - represents a melanocytic pigmented skin lesion of a benign nature.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to exclude a "possible evolution of the melanocytic nevus into a malignant form. The possibility of this occurring depends on a number of factors, including the type of lesion that develops on the patient's skin. In fact, the types of lesions. Currently known melanocytic nevus are very many and may present a different level of risk for the development of malignant diseases.

, i.e. present on the patient from birth.

Acquired melanocytic nevus, which is a nevus that develops after birth, in the course of life.

Another widely used classification method involves the subdivision of the different types of melanocytic nevi according to the place where the proliferative process that leads to the appearance of the lesion originates. In this case, therefore, it is possible to distinguish:

• Junctional melanocytic nevus: the proliferation of melanocytes that gives rise to the appearance of the nevus occurs at the level of the dermo-epidermal junction. The nevi of this type generally have a rounded shape, a flat surface and take on a brown or blackish color. This type of lesion tends to occur more frequently in childhood. Over time, the junctional melanocytic nevus may evolve and appear in relief, or it may regress.
• Dermal or intradermal melanocytic nevus: the proliferation of melanocytes occurs at the level of the dermis, therefore, below the epidermis. adulthood.
• Compound or combined melanocytic nevus: it is a particular type of melanocytic nevus that has mixed characteristics between the junctional and dermal melanocytic nevus.

Other classification methods provide for the subdivision of melanocytic nevi according to their structural characteristics, or again, according to the body area on which they occur. In any case, these classifications will not be taken into consideration. In the next chapter, however, they will be briefly listed and described the main types of melanocytic skin lesions.