AKA melanocytic naevus or a mole

A common benign skin lesion due to local proliferation of pigment cells (melanocytes) in the stratum basalis

Naevi typically develop within the first 20 years of life

Aetiology:

• Congenital - present at birth but very rare, usually quite large and hairy
• Melanocytic naevi that appear during childhood (2-10yrs) tend to be the most prominent and persistent throughout life
• Acquired - increased sun exposure, immunosuppressive Tx

PC

Vary widely in clinical, dermatological and histological appearance

• May arise on any part of the body (differ depending on site)
• can be flat or protruding
• colour - pink to dark brown, steel blue or black
  • Light skin = lighter coloured, darker skin = dark brown or black
• round or oval (can be unusual shapes)
• size - couple of mm to several cm in diameter

Investigations

*Usually a clinical diagnosis

• Consider Dermatoscopy and expert referral if:
  • Naevus changes in size, shape, colour or a naevus is different from other naevi
  • ABCD charecteristics
  • bleeding, crusted or itchy