Assorted Cellular Naevi
Due to its regular borders and uniform pigmentation in the abscence of any other features, this lesion is clearly benign.
Note the brown pigmentation and raised appearance of this lesion. Again, the regular borders and uniform pigmentation identify this as a benign naevus.
This naevus has become more raised and irregular as the patient has aged. It is important to note that this does not necessarily mean that there has been any malignant change. However, a careful history of the lesion and continued observation for any suspicious changes (as highlighted in the Glasgow 7 point scale for melanoma) is indicated.
Given the raised appearance and sun exposed site of this lesion it can be seen how some naevi can be mistaken for BCCs. The lack of a pearly edge, telangectasia or central ulceration, however, allow the lesion to be identified as a benign naevus. That said, the patient may be worried about the lesion for cosemtic reasons and it may still require treatment or excision.
Although this lesion is on the plantar aspect of the foot and had not been previously noticed by the patient, the regular borders and pigmentation identify this as a benign naevus. Had these features not been present, the possibility of malignant melanoma would have had to have been ruled out.
This lesion is present on the plantar aspect of the foot of a middle aged gentleman. See Figure 8. The regular borders and pigmentation suggest that this lesion as a benign naevus.
Two different areas of pigmentation - both however regular throughout with regular edges
Features
This page encompasses the:
There are big histological differences between these lesions. However, seen macroscopically in this context, their importance is to provide a differential diagnosis for malignant conditions and to highlight the benign features which distinguish them.
Differential Diagnosis
These are some of the main differential diagnoses for naevi. For more specific differentials for each distinct type of naevus, follow the individual links given above.
Malignant melanoma. Atypical mole. Dermatofibroma. Seborrhoeic keratosis. Blue naevus. Basal cell carcinoma. Neurofibroma.
