Different types of nevi do exist in relation to their epidemiology, morphology, evolution, and
associated melanoma risk. The introduction of dermoscopy opened a new dimension of the
morphologic universe of nevi and allowed clinicians to observe colors and structures within
nevi that are otherwise not visible to the unaided eye. Because most of these colors and
structures correspond to well-defined histopathologic correlates, dermoscopy enables
clinicians to date to more precisely predict the histopathology diagnosis and thereby
improve on their clinical diagnostic accuracy. Besides the diagnostic impact, the in vivo
observation of thousands of nevi using dermoscopy and digital dermoscopic follow-up has
opened new understanding about the evolution of nevi and factors influencing the nevus
pattern. In consequence, a new nevus classification has been proposed, subdividing nevi
into 7 categories, which are as follows: (1) globular/cobblestone nevi, (2) reticular nevi, (3)
starburst nevi, (4) homogeneous blue nevi, (5) nevi on special body sites, (6) nevi with
special features, and (7) and unclassifiable melanocytic proliferations. This article provides
an overview on the morphologic classification of nevi and the factors influencing the nevus
pattern.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 28:149-156 © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Different types of nevi do exist in relation to their epidemiology, morphology, evolution, and
associated melanoma risk. The introduction of dermoscopy opened a new dimension of the
morphologic universe of nevi and allowed clinicians to observe colors and structures within
nevi that are otherwise not visible to the unaided eye. Because most of these colors and
structures correspond to well-defined histopathologic correlates, dermoscopy enables
clinicians to date to more precisely predict the histopathology diagnosis and thereby
improve on their clinical diagnostic accuracy. Besides the diagnostic impact, the in vivo
observation of thousands of nevi using dermoscopy and digital dermoscopic follow-up has
opened new understanding about the evolution of nevi and factors influencing the nevus
pattern. In consequence, a new nevus classification has been proposed, subdividing nevi
into 7 categories, which are as follows: (1) globular/cobblestone nevi, (2) reticular nevi, (3)
starburst nevi, (4) homogeneous blue nevi, (5) nevi on special body sites, (6) nevi with
special features, and (7) and unclassifiable melanocytic proliferations. This article provides
an overview on the morphologic classification of nevi and the factors influencing the nevus
pattern.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 28:149-156 © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.