Dermoscopic monitoring of pediatric melanocytic nevi regarding pattern and diameter changes

Background

Childhood and adolescence are dynamic period in terms of nevogenesis, and the development and growth of new melanocytic nevus are frequently observed. In this study, the aim was to examine the pattern and diameter changes seen in the follow-up of pediatric melanocytic nevus.

Objectives

To describe the pattern and diameter changes seen in the follow-up of pediatric melanocytic.

Methods

Our study involved the assessment of 301 pediatric melanocytic nevi in 50 patients attended at the Dermatology Clinic of Istanbul Training and Research Hospital between January 2008 and 2022. The pediatric melanocytic nevi were diagnosed clinically and dermoscopically. Subsequently, we conducted video-dermoscopic monitoring of these nevi over a span of 3 months to 3 years.

Results

46% of our patients were female (n = 23), with a mean age of 11.5 years. While the pattern of nevi was globular in 40% patients, the rate of globular pattern decreased to 30% in the follow-up. The basal homogeneous nevus pattern was seen in 10% patients, but was detected in 13.9% in the follow-up. Peripheral globules were observed in 19.3% of the cases, but in the follow-up, 61.1% of the globules regressed completely. Nevus excision was indicated in only 11 of 301 nevi.

Study limitations

Single-center study and a small of studies available on this subject.

Conclusions

Pediatric melanocytic nevi can show dynamic changes compared to nevi in adults. In this study, growth rates, dermoscopic features, and pattern changes seen in the follow-up of melanocytic nevi were evaluated. The globular pattern was observed most frequently. The presence of peripheral globules is frequently observed in pediatric melanocytic nevi with regression during the follow-up period.