Postexcisional melanocytic regrowth extending beyond the initial scar: a novel clinical sign of melanoma

Recurrent naevi are widely recognized to occur commonly following incomplete removal of melanocytic lesions. These lesions have been generally understood as representing benign imitators of melanoma.

To provide a formal description of the clinical findings of postexcisional melanocytic regrowth.

We examined all cases of recurrent pigmentation adjacent to scars from previous excisional biopsies of melanocytic naevi treated at a private dermatology practice from 1995 to 2012.

We report nine cases of recurrence of melanocytic lesions that were melanomas. The most suspicious clinical feature for melanoma in these cases was the growth of the lesion beyond the confines of the initial scar, into the surrounding normal skin.

This pattern of recurrence of a melanocytic lesion represents a little recognized and distinctive clinical presenting sign of melanoma.