Dermal nevus

Dermal Nevus is a type of skin lesion that is commonly referred to as a mole. It is a benign growth that can appear anywhere on the body and is usually present at birth or develops in early childhood.

Overview

A dermal nevus is composed of nevus cells, which are a type of melanocyte. These cells produce melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. Dermal nevi are usually brown, but can also be skin-colored or dark brown. They can vary in size and shape, and may be flat or raised.

Types of Dermal Nevus

There are several types of dermal nevus, including:

• Compound Nevus: This type of nevus has nevus cells in both the epidermis and the dermis. It is usually raised and may have hair growing from it.

• Intradermal Nevus: This type of nevus has nevus cells only in the dermis. It is usually skin-colored or slightly brown and may have hair growing from it.

• Junctional Nevus: This type of nevus has nevus cells only in the epidermis. It is usually flat and dark brown.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A dermal nevus is usually diagnosed by a dermatologist through a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to rule out melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Treatment is not usually necessary for a dermal nevus unless it changes in size, shape, or color, or becomes painful or itchy. In these cases, the nevus may be removed through surgery or laser treatment.

See Also

• Melanoma
• Skin Cancer
• Dermatology