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Updated: Aug 3, 2026

The Three-Dimensional Human Skin Reconstruct Model: a Tool to Study Normal Skin and Melanoma Progression
Published on: August 3, 2011
[Large melanocytic nevi in generalized atrophic benign epidermolysis bullosa (epidermolysis bullosa nevi)]
J Bichel1, D Metze, L Bruckner-Tuderman
1Universitäts-Hautklinik der Westfälischen Wilhelms-Universität Münster.
Abstract:
Generalized atrophic benign epidermolysis bullosa (GABEB) is a nonlethal form of junctional epidermolysis bullosa. The expression of type XVII collagen (180 kDa bullous pemphigoid antigen) or of laminin 5 is markedly reduced in the skin. A 13-year-old patient with GABEB, developed several large, asymmetric, irregularly pigmented melanocytic nevi with poorly defined borders. They had appeared following blister formation since 8 years of age. Histological examination revealed an irregular proliferation of monomorphous melanocytes at the dermoepidermal junction. Small nests of melanocytes were focally present. This case further emphasizes the difficulty in differentiating nevi appearing in GABEB from malignant melanoma.
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