What is a Speckled Nevus?
A speckled nevus (also known as Nevus Spilus) is an irregularly shaped light brown macule with darkly pigmented macules or papules scattered randomly within the macule. A speckled nevus is thought to be a subtype of a congenital melanocytic nevus. The background tan patch is usually noted at or soon after birth and the superimposed darkly pigmented macules and papules can appear over time. The nevus has a prevalence of approximately 2%.
What is the risk of cancer with a Speckled Nevus?
The risk of developing melanoma in a speckled nevus is similar to the classic congenital melanocytic nevi of the same size range. The lesion should be followed clinically with periodic exams and suspicious areas should be biopsied.
References:
Images obtained from: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1061990-overview
Wolff K, Johnson, RA. Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas and Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology. Sixth Edition. 2009.
Rossitza Lazova. Speckled Lentiginous Nevi. eMedicine. 2009. Available at: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1061990-overview
