Nevu agminado en síndrome de nevus displásico / Agminated nevus in dysplastic nevus syndrome

Los nevus melanocíticos agminados (NMA) son poco reportados en la bibliografía mundial. El nevus agminado (NA), puede presentar varios orígenes, dependiendo de ello pueden desarrollar características displásicas, con riesgo potencial de desarrollar melanoma y entrar a formar parte del Síndrome de Nevus Displásico (SND) de acuerdo a su diagnóstico clínico, dermatoscópico, histológico e historia familiar. El objetivo del presente trabajo es presentar y discutir el caso clínico de un paciente masculino de 26 años de edad sin antecedentes patológicos, evaluado en la Clínica Dermatológica Skinlaser en Quito Ecuador en mayo 2020, que presentó múltiples nevus en la superficie corporal, especialmente en la espalda a nivel posterior e interescapular. El estudio enfatiza la importancia de los controles dermatoscópicos y el seguimiento para hacer el reconocimiento de signos de atipia y cambios que hacen sospechar de malignización(AU)

Agminate melanocytic nevus (AMN) are little reported in the world literature. The agminated nevus (NA) can have various origins, depending on it, they can develop dysplastic characteristics, with a potential risk of developing melanoma and become part of Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome (SND) according to its clinical, dermoscopic, histological and history diagnosis. family. The objective of this work is to present and discuss the clinical case of a 26-year-old male patient with no pathological history, evaluated at the Clinica Dermatologica Skinlaser in Quito Ecuador in May 2020, who presented multiple nevi on the body surface, especially in the back at posterior and interscapular level. The study emphasizes the importance of dermoscopic controls and follow-up are essential to recognize signs of atypia and changes that lead to suspicion of malignancy(AU)

Melanoma infantil: diagnóstico precoce pelo mapeamento corporal total em síndrome do nevo displásico / Infantile melanoma: early diagnosis by total body mapping in dysplastic nevus syndrome total em síndrome do nevo displásico

O melanoma é uma neoplasia rara na população pediátrica, sendo ainda mais rara em crianças menores de 10 anos. O mapeamento corporal total constitui método não invasivo e de baixo custo, capaz de aumentar a acurácia diagnóstica na avaliação de lesões pigmentadas, principalmente em pacientes de alto risco. Relatamos um paciente de nove anos de idade com síndrome do nevo displásico, no qual uma lesão apresentou mudança sutil (assimetria de estruturas) no seguimento de seis meses. A exérese da lesão resultou em melanoma com Breslow 1mm e linfonodo-sentinela negativo. O mapeamento corporal total reduz o número de exéreses desnecessárias e permite o diagnóstico de melanomas em estágios iniciais e potencialmente curáveis, especialmente em crianças e pacientes com fatores de risco como síndrome do nevo displásico. O caso foi reportado devido à raridade da neoplasia na faixa etária e para demonstrar a importância da dermatoscopia digital seriada no diagnóstico precoce de melanoma nessa população.

Melanoma is a rare neoplasm in the pediatric population, and it is even rarer in children under 10 years of age. Total body mapping constitutes a low-cost and non-invasive method that increases diagnostic accuracy in evaluating pigmented lesions, especially in high-risk patients. We reported the case of a 9-year boy with dysplastic nevus syndrome, in which one lesion presented a subtle change (asymmetry of structures) within a 6-months follow-up. Its excision resulted in melanoma with a Breslow thickness of 1 mm and a negative sentinel lymph node. Total body mapping reduces the number of unnecessary excisions. It allows diagnosis of melanomas in early and potentially curable stages, especially in children and patients with risk factors such as dysplastic nevus syndrome. We report this case due to the rarity of the neoplasia in this age group and also to demonstrate the importance of sequential digital dermoscopy in early diagnosis of melanoma in this population.

Evolución clínica y supervivencia de pacientes con melanomas de novo y melanomas asociados a nevo / Clinical evolution and survival of patients with de novo melanomas and nevus-associated melanomas

RESUMEN Introducción: El porcentaje de melanomas asociados histológicamente a nevos (MN(+)) varía del 20,6% al 53%. Distintos estudios demuestran que los MN(+) tienen igual o mejor pronóstico que aquellos melanomas que no se asocian a nevos, también llamados melanomas de novo (MN(-)). Objetivo: Comparar la evolución clínica y la supervivencia de MN(-) y MN(+) en el Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba, analizando el estudio de ganglio centinela, la supervivencia libre de enfermedad al año y a 5 años y la mortalidad específica por melanoma a 5 años. Materiales y Métodos :Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de melanoma cutáneo realizado por el Servicio de Anatomía Patológica del hospital o con revisión del taco de biopsia en el hospital, desde enero del año 2000 hasta diciembre del 2015. Resultados: De 554 casos de melanoma, se incluyeron 208 melanomas cutáneos, con un seguimiento promedio de 2,44 (0,66 - 5, 35) años. El 47,1% de melanomas fueron MN(+). Los MN(+) se relacionaron de manera estadísticamente significativa con el tipo extensivo superficial, localización en tronco posterior, regresión, menor Breslow y Clark 2. La supervivencia libre de enfermedad a 5 años fue mayor en MN(+) y la ausencia de asociación a nevo fue un factor de riesgo independiente. No se observaron diferencias en edad, sexo, diámetro tumoral, antecedentes de síndrome de nevo displásico, ulceración, mitosis, resultado del estudio de ganglio centinela, supervivencia libre de enfermedad al año, ni mortalidad por melanoma a 5 años.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The percentage of melanomas associated with nevus (NM(+)) ranges from 20,6% to 53%. Some studies suggested that MN+ have the same or even better prognosis than those melanomas that are not nevus-associated. The latter are also called melanomas de novo (MN(-)). Objective: To compare clinical evolution and survival of patients with MN(-) and MN(+) at the University Private Hospital of Cordoba (Argentina), by analyzing sentinel lymph node status, disease-free survival at 1 and 5 years and 5-year melanoma specific mortality. Methods: This is a retrospective, transversal study of patients who were diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma from 2000 until 2015. The biopsy specimen was analyzed or revised by the hospital´s Department of Pathology. Results: Of 554 melanoma cases, 208 cutaneous melanomas were included in the study. The mean follow up was 2,44 (0,66- 5,35) years. MN(+) represented the 47,1% of cases and were significantly correlated with superficial spreading subtype, posterior trunk localization, regression, lower Breslow and Clark 2. 5-year disease-free survival was longer in patients with MN(+) and the absence of associated nevus was an independent risk factor. There were no differences in age, gender, tumor diameter, history of atypical mole syndrome, ulceration, mitosis, sentinel lymph node status, 1-year disease-free survival or 5-year melanoma specific mortality.

Agminated atypical melanocytic nevus associated with Langerhans cell histiocytosis

Abstract: Agminated nevus refers to the presence of multiple nevi grouped in a circumscribed skin area; it is rarely reported in the literature. This report presents the case of a 10-year-old female patient with a history of Langerhans cell histiocytosis, who presents multiple nevi in the lumbar and inguinal region. In the histopathological study, an atypical melanocytic nevus was reported. Wood's lamp examination discarded the presence of nevus spilus, and the diagnosis of agminated nevus was reached. The association of this type of nevus with Langerhans cell histiocytosis is rare, and only four cases were found reported in the indexed literature. The reason for this association is unknown, thus a new theory about its origin is presented here.

A case of malignant melanoma after repeated recurrent dysplastic nevi

Dysplastic nevus is common and affects about 10% of the northern European-descendent population. Studies over the past several decades have identified dysplastic nevi as a risk factor for malignant melanoma. Furthermore, in rare cases, they confirmed that dysplastic nevi have progressed to melanoma. Cases in which dysplastic nevi progressed to malignant melanoma in multiple studies are not uncommon. A 35-year-old woman presented with the major symptom of multiple itchy brown nodules (2.0 cm× 1.3 cm) in the left cheek that had first appeared 20 years earlier. Complete excision was performed at the first visit; subsequent biopsy confirmed that they were dysplastic nevi. They recurred three times over 3 years at the same site, all of which were histologically diagnosed as dysplastic nevi. Five years after the final excision, a brownish nodule developed in the left cheek, with others at the left temporal region, right retroauricular region, and left shoulder at the same time. These lesions were histologically diagnosed as malignant melanoma. We experienced a case of malignant melanoma that occurred at the same site after three recurrences of dysplastic nevi. Although rare, the possibility of malignant melanoma should be considered in follow-ups in cases involving repeatedly recurrent dysplastic nevi.

Histogenetic categorization of atypical melanocytic tumor of uncertain biological malignant potential

Abstract: Several reports have demonstrated difficulties and lack of agreement in the histopathological diagnosis of particular melanocytic lesions, with problems in their management. A histogenetic approach to the study of these lesions originated the following classification: 1. superficial atypical proliferation significance; 2. melanocytic tumor of uncertain potential; 3. pigmented epithelioid melanocitoma of uncertain potential; 4. microinvasive radial growth phase of uncertain potential. The terminology remains controversial, reflecting the uncertainty of the diagnosis and the biological potential of these atypical melanocytic lesions.

Histologic mimics of malignant melanoma

Although spongiotic (eczematous), psoriatic and cutaneous skin infections are among the most common in dermatology consultations, melanocytic lesions - including the different types of nevi and melanomas - are among those that cause a great deal of concern and stress to patients and their clinicians. A diagnosis of benign melanocytic nevus carries a very good prognosis. However, a diagnosis of melanoma might indicate more aggressive treatment, lifelong surveillance and a worse prognosis. Differentiating between these conditions is not always a straightforward process for clinicians and pathologists. Therefore, knowledge of melanoma mimickers is very important for clinicians in general, and dermatologists and pathologists in particular. In this review, we called attention to some of the more frequent benign but unusual melanocytic lesions that are of diagnostic concern for clinicians evaluating these cutaneous proliferations.

Lack of compliance: a challenge for digital dermoscopy follow-up

BACKGROUND: Digital dermoscopy is the gold standard follow-up method for patients with high risk for developing cutaneous malignant melanoma. By comparing the same lesion at different moments, it allows early detection of subtle changes that could suggest the diagnosis of melanoma. Thus, it is clear that the test must be repeated after a period of time, according to time intervals determined by the evaluator. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate adherence of patients to follow-up examinations using digital dermoscopy. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of 36 patients who underwent digital dermoscopic examination and total-body photography in a private medical center between September 2010 and January 2013. Results: Only 25% of the patients returned for followup evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: Low adherence to digital dermoscopy follow-up could compromise the efficacy of this valuable method. This lack of adherence represents a challenge for the evaluator. .

Analysis of interobserver reproducibility in grading histological patterns of dysplastic nevi* / Avaliação da reprodutibilidade interobservador da graduação de padrões histológicos dos nevos displásicos

Dysplastic nevi are among the most important cutaneous melanoma simulators. They are important risk markers for this neoplasia and can be its potential precursors. Some authors found a statistically significant relationship between the degree of dysplasia and the risk for developing melanoma. However, reproducibility of grading criteria ranged from poor to fair in the researched articles. To test the reproducibility of the grading criteria proposed by Sagebiel et al. regarding dysplastic nevi. Histological specimens of 75 dysplastic nevi were graded, independently and in a blinded fashion, according to preestablished criteria, by a panel of 10 pathologists with different levels of experience. Diagnostic agreement was calculated using weighted kappa and intraclass correlation coefficients. The average of weighted kappa values was 0.13 for all observers, 0.12 for dermatopathologists, 0.18 for general pathologists and 0.05 for residents. Intraclass correlation coefficient values were 0.2 for all observers, 0.18 for dermatopathologists, 0.33 for general pathologists and 0.15 for residents. Histopathological grading for dysplastic nevi was not reproducible in this Brazilian series, so the criteria used are not a helpful histopathological parameter for clinicopathological correlation. .

Nevos displásicos estão entre os mais importantes simuladores de melanoma. São marcadores de risco para o desenvolvimento dessa neoplasia e podem ser seus precursores. Alguns autores observaram uma relação estatisticamente significativa entre o grau de displasia e o risco de desenvolvimento de melanoma. No entanto, a reprodutibilidade dos critérios para graduação variou de ruim a razoável nos artigos consultados. Testar a reprodutibilidade da graduação proposta por Sagebiel et al. para os nevos displásicos. Seções histológicas de setenta e cinco nevos displásicos foram graduadas, de forma independente e anônima, segundo critérios pré-estabelecidos, por um painel de 10 patologistas com diferentes níveis de experiência. A concordância diagnóstica foi calculada usando os coeficientes de kappa ponderado e de correlação intraclasse. A média dos valores de kappa ponderado foi de 0,13 para todos os observadores, de 0,12 para os dermatopatologistas, de 0,18 para os patologistas gerais e de 0,05 para os residentes. Os valores dos coeficientes de correlação intraclasse foram 0,2 para todos os observadores, 0,18 para os dermatopatologistas, 0,33 para os patologistas gerais e 0,15 para os residentes. A graduação histopatológica dos nevos displásicos não foi reprodutível nesta ...

Contribuição do mapeamento corporal total e dermatoscopia digital para o diagnóstico precoce do melanoma / The contribution of total body mapping and digital dermoscopy for the early diagnosis of melanoma

O prognóstico do melanoma cutâneo depende principalmente de sua espessura, sendo a detecção precoce do melanoma extremamente importante para a maior sobrevida dos pacientes. Com a utilização do exame dermatoscópico, pode-se alcançar acurácia de aproximadamente 90%. Melanomas iniciais podem não apresentar características dermatoscópicas específicas, sendo apenas diagnósticados pela mudança ao longo do tempo, observada pelo mapeamento corporal total e dermatoscopia digital seriados. Os grupos que apresentam maior sensibilidade para detecção do melanoma com esse exame são os de portadores de síndrome do nevo atípico e melanoma múltiplo familial.

The prognosis of cutaneous melanomas depends mainly on the lesions' thickness; early detection is of paramount importance for patient longer survival rates. An accuracy of approximately 90% can be achieved using dermoscopic assessment. Since early melanomas might not present specific dermoscopic features, they can only be diagnosed by observing alterations over time through total body mapping and serial digital dermoscopy. Patients with atypical nevus syndrome and multiple familial melanoma presented a higher sensitivity for the detection of melanoma using that technique.

Melanoma cutâneo: pacientes do complexo hospitalar Edmundo Vasconcelos em comparação com outros serviços de referência / Cutaneous melanoma: Edmundo Vasconcelos hospital complex patients in comparison with other reference services

Introdução: O melanoma é a mais agressiva das neoplasias cutâneas. O entendimento de seu comportamento e o correto diagnóstico permitindo tratamento precoce pode atuar para diminuir a mortalidade. Objetivos: Entender a incidência e o comportamento histopatológico do melanoma maligno cutâneo em quatro hospitais da cidade de São Paulo, sendo um privado e três públicos. Métodos: Comparou-se as características clínicas e anatomopatológicas de 42 pacientes com diagnóstico de melanoma procedentes de serviços do Complexo Hospitalar Edmundo Vasconcelos (CHEV) com outros três serviços de referência em São Paulo: Santa Casa de São Paulo, Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo, Hospital A.C. Camargo. As variáveis analisadas foram: sexo, tipo histológico da neoplasia; o nível de Clark na peça do anatomopatológico e a profundidade de Breslow. Resultados: 54,76% eram do tipo extensivo superficial, 26,19% nodular, 4,76% acral e 2,38% lentigo maligno. Quanto ao nível de Clark, 16,66% nível I, 42,85% nível II, 19,07% nível III e 7,14% nível IV. Quanto ao Breslow, 66,66% nível I, 11,90% níveI II, 7,14% nível III e 14,28% nível IV. Na amostra estudada as mulheres significaram 61,91%. Conclusão: O tipo extensivo superficial foi o mais prevalente, de espessura Breslow nível I e nível de Clark II.

Immunohistochemical Study of the Expression of Astrocyte Elevated Gene-1 (AEG-1) in Malignant Melanoma, Spitz Nevus and Dysplastic Nevus / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: The astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) was cloned as a novel HIV-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced transcript from primary human fetal astrocytes. It has been reported that the AEG-1 expression is elevated in subsets of breast cancer, glioblastoma multiforme and melanoma cells, and AEG-1 cooperates with Ha-ras to promote the transformation of immortalized melanocytes. AEG-1 is thought to play a role in promoting cancer development and/or its maintenance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine whether AEG-1 is related to the pathogenesis of melanoma and other melanocytic lesions. METHODS: The nine biopsy specimens each of melanoma, dysplastic nevus, Spitz nevus and compound nevus were studied using immunohistochemical staining. The expressions of AEG-1 were evaluated using an immunostaining-intensity-distribution index. RESULTS: The expression of AEG-1 was significantly higher in the melanoma and dysplastic nevus than in the compound nevus. The expression was also significantly higher in the melanoma than in the Spitz nevus. CONCLUSION: AEG-1 may be related to the pathogenesis of both dysplastic nevus and melanoma, but it may not be related to Spitz nevus.

Immunohistochemical Study of the Expression of Astrocyte Elevated Gene-1 (AEG-1) in Malignant Melanoma, Spitz Nevus and Dysplastic Nevus / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: The astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) was cloned as a novel HIV-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced transcript from primary human fetal astrocytes. It has been reported that the AEG-1 expression is elevated in subsets of breast cancer, glioblastoma multiforme and melanoma cells, and AEG-1 cooperates with Ha-ras to promote the transformation of immortalized melanocytes. AEG-1 is thought to play a role in promoting cancer development and/or its maintenance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine whether AEG-1 is related to the pathogenesis of melanoma and other melanocytic lesions. METHODS: The nine biopsy specimens each of melanoma, dysplastic nevus, Spitz nevus and compound nevus were studied using immunohistochemical staining. The expressions of AEG-1 were evaluated using an immunostaining-intensity-distribution index. RESULTS: The expression of AEG-1 was significantly higher in the melanoma and dysplastic nevus than in the compound nevus. The expression was also significantly higher in the melanoma than in the Spitz nevus. CONCLUSION: AEG-1 may be related to the pathogenesis of both dysplastic nevus and melanoma, but it may not be related to Spitz nevus.

Atypical mole syndrome and dysplastic nevi: identification of populations at risk for developing melanoma: review article

Atypical Mole Syndrome is the most important phenotypic risk factor for developing cutaneous melanoma, a malignancy that accounts for about 80 percent of deaths from skin cancer. Because the diagnosis of melanoma at an early stage is of great prognostic relevance, the identification of Atypical Mole Syndrome carriers is essential, as well as the creation of recommended preventative measures that must be taken by these patients.

Characteristics of Melanocytic Nevus Arising from the External Auditory Canal / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A nevus is a benign tumor composed of nevus cells that are derived from melanocytes. It may occur anywhere on the skin, but its appearance in the external auditory canal (EAC) is very rare. The aim of this study is to analyze the characteristics of melanocytic nevi of the EAC. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 10 consecutive patients who underwent surgical excision of EAC nevi between March 2004 and February 2009. RESULTS: The size of these nevi ranged from 4 mm to 12 mm in diameter, with an average of 6.1 mm. Otoscopic examination revealed 7 cases of dome-shaped mass and 3 cases of papillomatous mass. Histological examinations revealed intradermal nevi in all cases, but there was one case of dysplastic nevus and two cases of papillomatous nevi that coexisted with cholesteatoma. These nevi were composed of epidermal hyperplasia and necrobiotic keratin debris within the papillomatous cleft. There has been no recurrence in these patients after 6 to 26 months (average 12.6 months) of follow-up. CONCLUSION: A melanocytic nevus of the EAC may be composed of dysplastic cells or coexist with cholesteatoma; in particular, its gross appearance is papillomatous. Therefore, every nevus should be excised to make a histopathological diagnosis.

Expression of insulin-like growth factor-Ⅱ (IGF-Ⅱ) mRNA-binding protein-3 in malignant melanoma and benign nevi / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To investigate the expression of insulin-like growth factor-Ⅱ(IGF-Ⅱ) mRNAbinding protein-3 (IMP3) in tissue of benign nevi and malignant melanoma,and to evaluate the role of IMP3 in the development and diagnosis of malignant melanoma.Methods Immunohistochemistry was performed to measure the expression of IMP3 in tissue samples from 28 cases of malignant melanoma,8 Spitz nevi,6 dysplastic nevi and 25 benign nevi.Results Immunohistochemically,IMP3 was observed in 23 of 28 melanoma samples,4 of 8 Spitz nevus samples and 2 of 6 dysplastic nevus samples,but not in benign nevus samples.The expression level of IMP3 wag significantly higher in tissue of melanoma than in that of Spitz nevi and dysplastic nevi (both P<0.05),also higher in tissue of aggressive melanoma than that of melanoma in situ(P<0.01).Conclusions IMP3 seems to be a biomarker for the progression of benign nevi to malignant melanoma,and may be utilized to distinguish melanoma from benign nevi.

The Expression of Galectin-1 in Melanocytic Nevus, Dysplastic Nevus and Malignant Melanoma / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is a member of the galectin family of proteins, which are carbohydrate-binding proteins with an affinity for beta-galactosides. Gal-1 is differentially expressed by various normal and pathological tissues and it performs polyvalent, wide-ranging biological activities. A Gal-1 expression or over-expression in tumors and/or in the tissue surrounding them must be considered as a sign of malignant tumor progression that is often related to tumor metastasis. Although Gal-1 also plays important roles for tumorigenesis and tumor progression, the expression of Gal-1 in melanocytic nevus, dysplastic nevus and malgant melanoma has not yet been investigated. OBJECTIVE: We wanted to investigate and compare the expression of Gal-1 in melanocytic nevus, dysplastic nevusand malignant melanoma. METHODS: The paraffin-embedded specimens of 9 cases of malignant melanoma (MM), 6 cases of dysplastic nevus (DN) and 6 cases of intradermal nevus (IN) were subjected to immunohistochemical staining for Gal-1. RESULTS: The percentage of positive cells for Gal-1 in the MM was significantly higher than that of the DN and IN (p<0.01). The staining intensity of the positive cells for Gal-1 was the highest also in the MM. Meanwhile Gal-1 was more strongly expressed in highly atypical (more pleomorphic, more atypical mitoses) areas of the melanoma tissues. But there was no significant difference between the DN and IN for the expression of Gal-1. LIMITATION: This study is restricted to a small number of patients. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that Gal-1 is more strongly expressed in malignant melanoma than in melanocytic nevus and dysplastic nevus. Interestingly, Gal-1 was more strongly expressed in the highly atypical portions of the melanoma tissue. Gal-1 might well contribute to the tumorigenesis and malignancy of melanocytes.

A Case of Dysplastic Nevus of the External Auditory Canal Presenting with Conductive Hearing Loss

A nevus which is a benign melanocytic neoplasm rarely occurs within the external auditory canal (EAC). A dysplastic nevus presents atypical features both clinically and histologically, and is important as a potential precursor for melanoma. We present a case of a 33-year-old female patient with a dysplastic nevus in her EAC. Physical examination revealed a protruding mass arising from the posterior wall of the left cartilaginous EAC. The mass showed clinically characteristic findings of a melanocytic nevus. The patient underwent excisional biopsy via a transcanal approach under local anesthesia. Histopathological examination revealed an intradermal nevus with atypical melanocytes without pleomorphism. There was no evidence of recurrence two years after surgical excision.

Development of Multiple Pigmented Nevi Within Segmental Nevus Depigmentosus

Nevus depigmentosus is a stable and well-circumscribed congenital hypomelanosis that may be in an isolated, dermatomal or systemic form. An 18-yr-old Korean man with segmental nevus depigmentosus developed multiple pigmented nevi which were present only within the confines of the leukoderma. Histologic and electron microscopic studies rendered a diagnosis of nevus depigmentosus with dysplastic nevus to the patient. The genetic alteration of melanocytes in the hypopigmented lesion is assumed to have resulted in the development of multiple pigmented nevi.

Clinical and Pathologic Findings of Dysplastic Nevus: Review of 15 Cases / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: The dysplastic nevus is a rare form of melanocytic nevus, but the clinical criteria and histopathologic finding are still debated. There are no studies of dysplastic nevus in korea except a few case reports. OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to evaluate the clinical and histopathological characteristics of dysplastic nevus developed in korean. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical and histopathologic finding of 15 patients diagnosed as dysplastic nevus on the biopsy. RESULTS: The result were as follows ; 1. The incidence of dysplastic nevus in our study was 9.9 cases/100,000 population 2. The subjects consisted of 9 males and 6 females. 3. The common onset of age was 11-20. 4. The common site of dysplastic nevus was the trunk. 5. The common pattern of lesional change was asymmetry and color variegation. 6. The common clinical findings of the dysplastic nevus was multiple, 5-12mm size, multipapular surface, ill-demarcated margin and brown/black color. 7. The pathologic findings including shoulder phenomenon, melanocytic nest, patchy lymphohistiocytic infiltration, melanophage, scattered atypical epitheloid cell, random atypia, anisokaryosis and no mitosis was shown in all the patients, but eosinophilic hyperplasia was shown in 13 patients. 8. The mild atypia in the Duke grading system was the most common. There was significant positive correlation between architectural and cytologic scores(Pearson correlation test, P<0.05, r=0.97). CONCLUSION: Although the incidence of the dysplastic nevus in our study was much lower than that of the west, the clinicopathologic findings were not different.