Eruptive satellite vascular malformations after removal of a melanocytic naevus

The development of satellite lesions after removal of a pyogenic granuloma is well known. However, it is unusual to see this complication after the removal of a non-angiomatous lesion. We describe a patient who developed multiple small vascular lesions after excision of a dermal melanocytic naevus on her back; new lesions continued to appear over the next 20 years. Little is known about the pathogenesis of eruptive lesions developing after excision of a primary tumour. Several hypotheses, such as the influence of mechanical forces, abnormalities in the vascular system and the existence of a circulating stimulatory factor, have been suggested.