Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
08:49
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Malignant melanoma arising within nevus spilus.
Susan L Karam1, Scott M Jackson
1Department of Dermatology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Skinmed
|May 2, 2012
Summary
A long-standing nevus spilus on a 68-year-old man was diagnosed as malignant melanoma. Early detection and treatment prevented metastatic disease, highlighting the importance of monitoring atypical moles.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Nevus spilus, a congenital pigmented lesion, can rarely develop into melanoma.
- Early detection of melanoma is crucial for patient survival and prognosis.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old man presented with a decades-old nevus spilus that had recently become raised.
- Physical examination revealed a suspicious 0.9-cm irregularly pigmented black papule within the lesion.
- Biopsy confirmed malignant melanoma with a Breslow depth of 1.13 mm.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination confirmed malignant melanoma.
- The patient underwent wide local excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy.
- No evidence of metastatic disease was found on oncologic evaluation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of vigilance for changes in congenital nevi.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of melanoma arising in nevus spilus can lead to favorable outcomes.
- Regular skin examinations are vital for identifying suspicious lesions early.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Skin 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...
01:19Pigmentation
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...
01:06Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce different cell types. Ordinarily, cells that have differentiated into a specific cell type are terminally differentiated; however, scientists have found a way to reprogram these mature cells so that they dedifferentiate and return to an unspecialized, proliferative state. These cells are pluripotent like embryonic stem cells—able to produce all cell types—and are called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Somatic cells are...
Somatic cells are...