Introduction: Newborns can present with a host of varying birth marks. Nevi can represent a benign condition or be a harbinger of a more concerning underlying condition or genetic syndrome. Hyperpigmentation in the newborn is very common and has a wide spectrum of presentation from large areas of dark discoloration to spotty segmental patches to solitary light brown macules. Some nevi may have ...

According to the prevailing multistep model of melanoma development, oncogenic BRAF or NRAS mutations are crucial initial events in melanoma development. It is not known whether melanocytic nevi that are found in association with a melanoma are more likely to carry BRAF or NRAS mutations than uninvolved nevi. By laser microdissection we were able to selectively dissect and genotype cells either...

BACKGROUND Melanocytic nevi (moles) and freckles are well known biomarkers of melanoma risk, and they are influenced by similar UV light exposures and genetic susceptibilities to those that increase melanoma risk. Nevertheless, the selective interactions between UV exposures and nevus and freckling genes remain largely undescribed. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal study from ages 6 through...

Although frequently performed, laser removal of pigmented lesions still contains certain controversial issues. Epidermal pigmented lesions include solar lentigines, ephelides, café au lait macules and seborrheic keratoses. Dermal lesions include melanocytic nevi, blue nevi, drug induced hyperpigmentation and nevus of Ota and Ito. Some lesions exhibit both an epidermal and dermal component like ...

BACKGROUND Nevi with cytologic characteristics of Spitz nevus and architectural features of Clark's/dysplastic nevus are not well recognized in the literature. METHODS Twenty-seven nevi with characteristics of Spitz nevus and Clark's/dysplastic nevus are reviewed. RESULTS The patients' mean age was 33 years, and 17/27(63%) patients were female. Lesions were most frequent on the trunk and lo...

BACKGROUND While melanocytic nevi have been associated with genetic factors and childhood sun exposure, several observations also suggest a potential hormonal influence on nevi. To test the hypothesis that nevi are associated with breast tumor risk, we explored the relationships between number of nevi and benign and malignant breast disease risk. METHODS AND FINDINGS We prospectively analyzed...

A 35-year-old man presented with progressive exertional dyspnea (3 months) and syncopal attacks (1 week). He had tachypnea, tachycardia and hypotension. Examination revealed a mid-diastolic plop at the apex. Clinical suspicion was a left atrial mass with a ball valve-like mechanism (LA thrombus or LA tumors). Echo and cardiac MRIs with gadolinium enhancement (to differentiate between a tumor an...

OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of new, changed, and regressed nevi and melanomas in a cohort of patients at high risk for melanoma using baseline total body photography and dermatoscopy. DESIGN Cohort study of patients at high risk for melanoma who underwent baseline cutaneous photography between January 1, 1992, and December 31, 1997, and had at least 1 follow-up visit by December 31, ...

Childhood sun exposure causes nevi (and melanoma), but there is little evidence regarding the effectiveness of sun protection strategies on the number of nevi. We previously found that boys but not girls receiving a school-based sun protection program had fewer nevi on their backs than controls. Here, we investigated whether specific program components (encouraging children to stay indoors in t...

BACKGROUND Distinguishing melanoma from dysplastic nevi can be challenging. OBJECTIVE To assess which putative molecular biomarkers can be optimally combined to aid in the clinical diagnosis of melanoma from dysplastic nevi. METHODS Immunohistochemical expressions of 12 promising biomarkers (pAkt, Bim, BRG1, BRMS1, CTHRC1, Cul1, ING4, MCL1, NQO1, SKP2, SNF5 and SOX4) were studied in 122 mel...