Dermoscopic features of melanocytic nevi in seven different anatomical locations in patients with atypical nevi syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Dermoscopic screening facilitates early detection of melanoma and is recommended in patients with multiple or atypical nevi.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether dermoscopic features of acquired melanocytic nevi differ between six body sites (neck, axilla, pectoral area, shoulders, buttocks, legs) and the trunk.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: One hundred six patients with atypical nevi syndrome from a Digital Dermoscopy Unit were evaluated for the presence of nevi in each of seven body sites, and nevi representative of each region were selected as the predominant nevi. Dermoscopic features of 684 melanocytic nevi located in seven different body sites were analyzed.

RESULTS

Globular and globular-homogeneous pattern nevi showed a cephalad distribution. Nevi at the neck, axilla, shoulders, and pectoral area showed a higher proportion of globular and globular-homogeneous patterns than other locations (p < .001). Comma vessels were also more frequent on the neck, axillary area, and shoulders (p < .001). A reticular pattern was more frequent on caudal areas (legs, buttocks and lower back, and abdomen; p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Dermoscopic differences were found in different body areas. This information should be considered in the evaluation of lesions in patients with atypical nevus syndrome.