Management and dermoscopy of fast-growing nevi in pregnancy: case report and literature review

J Cutan Med Surg. 2006 Sep-Oct;10(5):249-52. doi: 10.2310/7750.2006.00047.

Abstract

Background: The relationship between pregnancy and a change in melanocytic nevi is still controversial. Moreover, management of the rapid evolution of a nevus in an unauspicious melanocytic lesion can be a clinical challenge in pregnancy.

Methods: This article examines a case of a fast-growing deep penetrating nevus in a pregnant woman and provides a literature review of articles relative to pregnancy and nevi change, the management of fast-growing pigmented lesions, and the role and usefulness of dermoscopy in these cases.

Results: Recent studies have documented that pregnancy is not associated with any significant change in the size of melanocytic nevi. The management of fast-growing melanocytic lesions during this period compulsorily leans toward excision. Dermoscopy can be useful, providing clinicohistopathologic correlations and a better assignment of the lesion.

Conclusion: This case report and review provide important management considerations for nevi during pregnancy. Early intervention with aggressive treatment measures is the best management for fast-growing lesions, and epiluminescence dermoscopy can assist the management, although still remaining a second-level examination, useful for documentation and for a better classification of the lesion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dermoscopy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Nevus, Pigmented / pathology*
  • Nevus, Pigmented / surgery*
  • Nose Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Nose Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Pregnancy
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery*