Acral melanocytic nevi in the Polish population: prevalence, clinical characteristics and dermoscopic patterns

Acral melanocytic nevi dermoscopic patterns have been well described in several populations. There have been no prospective studies assessing the prevalence, clinical characteristics and dermoscopic patterns of acral nevi in the Polish population.

To characterize the prevalence of acral nevi, frequency of dermoscopic patterns, relationships between acral nevi and patients' characteristics.

This was a prospective study conducted in the Dermatological Outpatient Clinic of the University Hospital in Krakow. Study inclusion criteria: presence of nevi on foot soles and/or palms, Caucasian race, Polish origin, and age ≥ 18 years.

Six hundred and twenty-four acral melanocytic lesions were observed in 287 patients, 174 (60.6%) women and 113 (39.4%) men, mean age 43.5 and 42.8 years, respectively. Four hundred and thirty-four (69.6%) lesions were present on soles, 190 (30.4%) on palms. No acral melanomas were detected. The following dermoscopic patterns were observed: parallel furrow 262 (42%), lattice-like 106 (17%), fibrillar 66 (11%) and other 190 (30%). Patients with acral nevi on the soles or both on the palms and soles had a higher number of atypical nevi on the body (p = 0.011) and a much higher total body nevi count (p = 0.043), when compared to those with acral nevi only on the palms.

The study revealed a higher prevalence of acral nevi in the analysed population. A higher number of acral nevi was associated with a higher number of atypical nevi and higher total body nevi count, the risk factors for melanoma. Because of that it is possible to note that a higher number of acral nevi should increase diagnostic alertness.