From the Guidelines
No further treatment is needed for an irritated intradermal melanocytic nevus, as the pathology report confirms its benign nature. This is a benign skin lesion, commonly known as a mole, that has shown signs of irritation but no concerning features. The pathology report confirms that the lesion is benign, with melanocytic cells confined to the dermis layer of the skin. Irritation of a nevus can occur due to friction from clothing, trauma, or inflammation, but this doesn't change its benign nature. According to the revised U.K. guidelines for the management of cutaneous melanoma 2010 1, diagnostic shave biopsies should not be performed as they may lead to incorrect diagnosis due to sampling error, and make accurate pathological staging of the lesion impossible. However, in this case, the shave biopsy has already been performed and the pathology report has confirmed the benign nature of the lesion. Regular skin checks are still recommended as part of routine healthcare to monitor any changes in other moles or development of new lesions. If you notice any moles that are changing in size, shape, color, or becoming symptomatic (bleeding, itching, pain), these should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. The complete removal of this particular nevus through the shave biopsy is likely sufficient, but follow up with your dermatologist if you notice any changes at the biopsy site such as unusual regrowth, persistent redness, or other concerns.
Some key points to consider in the management of melanocytic lesions include:
- The importance of complete excision of the lesion with a narrow rim of normal skin, as recommended by the British Journal of Cancer 1
- The need for accurate pathological staging of the lesion, which can only be determined by histological examination of the entire lesion
- The risk of misdiagnosis if a melanocytic lesion is only partially examined, highlighting the importance of complete excision and thorough pathological evaluation.
It is essential to note that while the shave biopsy has provided a diagnosis, it is not the recommended method for diagnosing melanocytic lesions, and complete excision with a narrow rim of normal skin is the preferred method 1. However, in this case, the diagnosis has been confirmed, and no further treatment is needed.
From the Research
Shave Biopsy with Pathology Report
- The pathology report indicates a portion of intradermal melanocytic naevus, irritated.
- According to the study 2, pathologists' treatment suggestions for melanocytic skin lesions vary significantly, with lower variability for lesion types with national guidelines.
- The study 3 found that immunosuppressive therapy was associated with increased nevus counts and changed dermoscopic appearance, but none of the changed and subsequently excised nevi were malignant.
- The review 4 answers frequently asked questions about melanocytic nevi in children, including the risk of malignancy and optimal management, based on recent scientific evidence.
- The study 5 discusses therapeutic strategies in neurocutaneous melanocytosis, a rare condition characterized by large or giant congenital melanocytic nevi on the skin and pigmented lesions in the brain.
- However, the study 6 is not relevant to the topic of melanocytic naevus, as it discusses the interaction between D-amino acid oxidase and quasi-substrates.
Melanocytic Naevus
- Melanocytic naevus is a type of benign melanocytic neoplasm, and the pathology report indicates that the shave biopsy showed a portion of intradermal melanocytic naevus, irritated.
- The study 2 suggests that treatment guidelines for melanocytic skin lesions, including melanocytic naevus, are not well-established, leading to variability in treatment suggestions among pathologists.
- The review 4 provides information on the risk of malignancy and optimal management of melanocytic nevi in children, which may be relevant to the management of melanocytic naevus in general.