Nevus spilus: is the presence of hair associated with an increased risk for melanoma?

Cutis. 2016 Sep;98(3):171-174.

Abstract

Nevus spilus (NS), also known as speckled lentiginous nevus, is characterized by background café au lait-like lentiginous melanocytic hyperplasia speckled with small, 1- to 3-mm, darker foci. Nevus spilus occurs in 1.3% to 2.3% of the adult population worldwide. Reports of melanoma arising within hypertrichotic NS suggest that hypertrichosis may be a marker for the development of melanoma. We present a case of a hypertrichotic NS without melanoma and also provide a review of previously reported cases of hypertrichosis in NS. We believe that NS has a lower risk for malignant degeneration than congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) of the same size, and it is unlikely that hypertrichosis is a marker for melanoma in NS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy / methods
  • Cafe-au-Lait Spots / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertrichosis / pathology*
  • Melanoma / diagnosis*
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Nevus, Pigmented* / diagnosis
  • Nevus, Pigmented* / pathology
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms* / pathology