Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

08:49
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Melanocytic nevi clinically simulating melanoma.
Eiichi Makino1, Takafumi Uchida, Yoshiko Matsushita
1Department of Dermatology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan. eiichimak@yahoo.co.jp
The Journal of Dermatology
|January 6, 2007
Summary
Diagnosing pigmented skin lesions can be challenging, as benign growths often mimic melanoma. This study highlights the clinical presentation of melanocytic nevi that are difficult to distinguish from melanoma, emphasizing diagnostic accuracy for non-cancerous lesions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Pigmented skin lesions, including melanoma and benign nevi, frequently present with overlapping clinical and dermoscopic features.
- Misdiagnosis of pigmented skin lesions is common, leading to unnecessary treatments or delayed diagnosis of malignant melanoma.
Observation:
- This report details the clinical appearances of two specific melanocytic nevi located on the vulva and upper extremity.
- These lesions were notably difficult to diagnose clinically due to their resemblance to melanoma.
Findings:
- Benign melanocytic nevi can exhibit clinical characteristics that closely mimic malignant melanoma.
- Limited information exists regarding the specific clinical presentations of benign nevi that are frequently misidentified as melanoma.
Implications:
- Accurate clinical diagnosis of benign pigmented skin lesions is crucial to prevent overtreatment and ensure timely detection of melanoma.
- Further research into the diagnostic criteria for differentiating benign nevi from melanoma is warranted to improve patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Pigmentation
The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...

