Sun-Protection Behavior, Pubertal Development and Menarche: Factors Influencing the Melanocytic Nevi Development—The Results of an Observational Study of 1,512 Children

Epidemiology of melanoma: the importance of correctly reporting to the cancer registries

In Italy, few epidemiologic studies have been conducted by tracing melanoma reports directly in the electronic registers of the operating units of pathologic anatomy. The Cancer Registers of the Italian regions receive only partial and incomplete data on the diagnoses of melanoma, for this reason, the incidences are usually underestimated. Our work offers a precise picture of the epidemiologic situation of melanoma in a homogenous sample of patients residing in a geographic area traditionally considered to have a high incidence of melanoma.

A comparative study of melanocytic nevi classification with dermoscopy and high-frequency ultrasound

BACKGROUND

Melanocytic nevi (MN) can be classified into three subtypes according to the depth of the nests of nevus cells which is important for management. High-frequency ultrasound (HF-US) can clearly reveal the lesion size, contour, depth, and internal structures. However, the HF-US studies of MN according to subtypes are limited. We aimed to describe the HF-US features of MN and explore its value in accurate classification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted from January 2018 to November 2019. Eighty-five patients with MN were included and examined by 50 and 20 MHz HF-US. The HF-US features were recorded including morphological flatness, depth, shape, boundary, internal echogenicity, hyperechoic spots, lateral acoustic shadow, posterior echoic patterns, mushroom signs, and straw-hat signs. Each image was evaluated by two physicians independently, and the consistency was tested.

RESULTS

Eleven lesions could not be detected by HF-US. The rest 74 lesions underwent ultrasonic analysis. MN appeared as strip-shaped or oval, hypoechoic areas localized in the epidermis and dermis under ultrasonography. A strong consistency between HF-US and dermoscopy of determining the lesion depth was achieved (κ = 0.935, p < 0.001). The hyperechoic spots were found in 57.6% intradermal nevi. The mushroom signs were seen in 34.8% intradermal nevi, and the straw-hat signs were seen in all the compound nevi.

CONCLUSION

MN can be correctly classified using HF-US, and it had a strong correlation with dermoscopic and clinical classification. HF-US could further reveal the internal morphological features of MN, which may support more precise classification and management.

Addressing Frequently Asked Questions and Dispelling Myths About Melanocytic Nevi in Children

Melanocytic nevi are congenital or acquired benign melanocytic neoplasms. The reason for the appearance of melanocytic nevi is not precisely known. Melanocytic nevi frequently occur in children, constituting a common reason for consultation in pediatric dermatology clinics. In our experience, many parents and caregivers present doubts and fears based more on popular beliefs than on data with valid scientific evidence. This review answers their frequently asked questions, such as the risk of malignancy, the importance of nevi location, the warning signs of malignant transformation, best prevention strategies, and optimal management, based on the most recent scientific evidence available.