Virtually all of us have some sort of birthmark – and not just one. This is because on the human body there are typically a dozen to a few dozen nevi, although for some of us the number can reach several hundred. So it is worth realizing how many types of skin nevi there are, and how to distinguish between each of them.
What types of nevi exist
Nevi are, fortunately, generally not dangerous skin lesions. However, whenever a new birthmark that concerns us appears on our skin, it is worth examining it to rule out the possibility of developing dangerous diseases. What are the types of ne vi that can occur on the skin?
Pigmented nevi
The most common type of nevus. Many pigmented nevi are congenital, meaning that they already existed when the child was born. However, this does not mean, of course, that a pigmented nevus cannot be acquired later in life. Several types of pigmented nevi can be mentioned – these include, among others, nevi:
- globular type
- type of starburst
- reticular type
- homogeneous blue
- of a particular location
- with specific characteristics
There are also unclassified melanocyte proliferations.
It should be remembered that congenital nevi carry a higher risk of malignancy than acquired ones – especially when it comes to giant nevi (over 20 centimeters in size).
Nevus spitz
Spitz nevi occur primarily in children and take the shape of a single lump, no more than 10 centimeters in diameter. Spitz-type nevi are found on both the faces and lower limbs of people. Although they are most often brown in color, this type of nevus quite often takes on other colors as well – for example. Initially it grows quite rapidly, but over time its size usually stabilizes. However, it also sometimes progresses to the atypical form, which requires medical monitoring.
Blue nevus
The distinctive feature of the blue nevus is, of course, its unusual color. These types of moles appear during early childhood, and can also be congenital. It is recommended that they be surgically removed if they reach large sizes, or are located in unusual places – such as on the scalp. In adults, such moles are always excised in their entirety, as there is a risk that they will develop into melanoma.
Clark’s mark
It is usually a harmless nevus in the form of a slightly convex brown mole. As a rule, its size does not exceed 1 centimeter. It is estimated that its formation is determined by genetics, or hormonal problems. It is formed by the accumulation of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin.
Becker’s birthmark
Becker’s nevus is characterized by its irregular shape and pale brown color. Sometimes they are covered with hard-to-touch dark hairs. Although often the initial height of the nevus is not very large, it enlarges quite quickly to as much as several centimeters. Despite this, it is a very benign nevus and rarely becomes malignant. In turn, it is worth noting that acne lesions may occur near it. It occurs primarily in men, and its formation is likely hormonal in origin.
Why should all types of nevi be tested?
Although the frequency of nevi becoming malignant and transforming into melanoma is about 1 in 30,000 cases, one must not forget to regularly inspect each newly formed nevus. Why? Because, after all, you never know which will become malignant. Remember that in melanoma, as with any other malignant tumor, the effectiveness of treatment depends on the speed of detection. So the sooner melanoma is diagnosed, the better the chances of a complete cure.