Mitoses in conventional melanocytic nevi

Given that nevi may grow in size, mitotic figures may be expected in melanocytic nevi. We reviewed the literature for studies addressing this issue. We sought to determine the number of mitotic figures we might discover upon review of a group of randomly collected, conventional nevi. We reviewed 157 nevi from patients and found seven nevi exhibiting mitotic figures, comprising 4% of our sample. We noted the location of the mitoses within the nevi, the presence of any congenital features, as well as other features such as signs of inflammation or irritation. Through this study we have shown that occasional mitoses occur within unremarkable, conventional nevi.