What does Lentiginous compound nevus mean?
Background: Atypical lentiginous nevus (of the elderly) is a peculiar form of dysplastic nevus. Clinically, this condition can resemble malignant melanoma and histologically, it has a lentiginous pattern with variable degrees of atypia and an absence of dermal nests.
Can a compound nevus turn into melanoma?
Can a dysplastic nevus turn into melanoma? Yes, but most dysplastic nevi do not turn into melanoma (1, 3). Most remain stable over time.
Is a compound nevus benign or malignant?
Compound naevi are considered to be benign neoplasms of melanocytes if they arise in later life. Compound naevi arise from a flat (junctional) naevus that exists earlier in life and may have a raised central portion of deeper pigmentation with surrounding tan-brown macular pigmentation.
What is dysplastic nevus with severe atypia?
A severely dysplastic nevus is indistinguishable from early melanoma. Very often these lesions show considerable irregularity of edge and irregularly irregular colour. The differentiation between a moderate and severely dysplastic nevus is one of degree. Mildly dysplastic nevi can be observed.
What causes acral lentiginous melanoma?
What is the cause of acral lentiginous melanoma? Acral lentiginous melanoma is due to the development of malignant pigment cells (melanocytes) along the basal layer of the epidermis. These cells may arise from an existing melanocytic naevus or more often from previously normal-appearing skin.
Is a severely dysplastic nevus melanoma?
Moderately-to-severely and severely dysplastic nevi are more often associated with melanoma, and excision may be beneficial for melanoma detection or prevention.
Can a nevus become malignant?
A small percentage of dysplastic nevi may develop into melanomas. But most dysplastic nevi never become cancer, and many melanomas seem to arise without a pre-existing dysplastic nevus.
Is a compound melanocytic nevus malignant?
In adulthood, they are more likely to appear on the palms, soles, and the genital region. Compound nevi that appear in late adulthood are at increased risk for being malignant.
What is compound mole?
A compound naevus is a normal and harmless group of melanocytes (pigment cells) from different skin layers, and may be irregular in shape, colour and elevation.
Should severe dysplastic nevus be removed?
Dysplastic nevi can be classified as mild, moderate or severe. Mild is closer to benign, while moderate to severe is closer to melanoma. When diagnosed, most dermatologists will recommend that severe dysplastic nevi be removed as a precaution.
Is acral lentiginous melanoma fatal?
Acral lentiginous melanoma in situ is not dangerous; it only becomes potentially life-threatening if an invasive melanoma develops within it.