Dermoscopic Nevus Patterns Associated with Melanoma Patients

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Dermoscopy

Background:

• Melanocytic nevi are established risk factors for melanoma.
• The association between specific dermoscopic nevus patterns and melanoma risk is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the frequency of global dermoscopic patterns of common and atypical nevi in melanoma patients versus controls.
• To identify specific nevus patterns associated with melanoma risk.

Main Methods:

• 120 melanoma patients and 120 matched controls with at least 10 melanocytic nevi were included.
• Total body examinations and dermoscopic descriptions of nevi were performed.
• Nevus patterns were compared between groups, including stratification by location.

Main Results:

• Melanoma patients had more common and atypical nevi, with greater pattern variability.
• No difference in common nevus global patterns was found, but complex atypical nevi were linked to melanoma (OR=2.87).
• Melanoma patients showed more reticular common nevi on the back/lower limbs and specific atypical patterns on the back. Multifocal pigmentation was more frequent in melanoma patients (OR=2.61).

Conclusions:

• Melanoma patients exhibit a higher prevalence of common reticular nevi on the back and lower limbs.
• Atypical nevi with complex patterns, particularly reticular types on the back, are more common in melanoma patients.
• Specific dermoscopic nevus patterns and multifocal pigmentation are associated with melanoma.