Melanocytic nevi of the breast: a histologic case-control study

Melanocytic nevi in the genital, acral, and flexural sites often display clinical and histologic features that may simulate melanoma. We verified whether this is the case also for nevi of the breast.

Eleven dermatopathologists, from nine Italian Institutions, collected the specimens of melanocytic lesions from the breast and other body sites, excluding the acral, genital, and flexural areas, as controls. Cases and controls were matched for sex and age. All nevi were observed 'blindly' and simultaneously by all participants. For each lesion, 10 histological parameters were analyzed: asymmetry, absence of lateral demarcation of melanocytes, lentiginous proliferation, nested and dyshesive pattern, intraepidermal melanocytes above the basal layer, involvement of the hair follicle, absence of maturation of dermal melanocytes, melanocytic atypia, fibroplasia of the papillary dermis, and lymphocytic dermal infiltrate. Each parameter was scored 2 when present and 1 when absent or not valuable. A total score was calculated for each lesion. Results were statistically analyzed by the chi-square test and the Mann-Whitney U-test.

One hundred and one nevi came from the breast area and 97 from elsewhere. Breast nevi exhibited significantly more atypical features than nevi from other sites. In particular, breast nevi with intraepidermal melanocytes, melanocytic atypia, and dermal fibroplasia were significantly more numerous. We did not find any sexual difference.

To avoid undue concerns, dermatopathologists should be aware that melanocytic nevi of the breast may show a high degree of atypical features.