A blue nevus is a birthmark that has a blue, blue, black or gray color. More often it happens in a single specimen, but sometimes people come across and with the exception, when several such benign formations appear on the body at once.
Causes of formation and localization of
The appearance of a blue nevus is associated with the movement of melanoblasts even during intrauterine development. This means that a patch appears on the skin, on which the cells that produce melanin are located.
The specific causes of the appearance of blue nevus, like other similar formations, remain unknown. Scientists suggest that the basis is damage to chromosomes of individual cells in the process of intrauterine ripening of the fetus.
This is due to the effect:
- of the environment,
- of solar radiation,
- of diseases,
- of viral infections,
- of preeclampsia.
At an older age manifests itself in the period of menopause, pregnancy. It may also be accidentally discovered by people who like to spend a lot of time in the solarium. Presumably, influencing the appearance of education can and reception of contraceptives, as well as allergies.
Types
Three clinical forms of the blue nevus are distinguished according to their clinical and morphological characteristics:
- simple,
- cellular,
- combined.
The first type has a small diameter, smooth surface. Sometimes, under a microscope, it is found that melanin extends to the vascular walls and nerve endings. This kind is more common on the face, neck, hands, sometimes on the mucous and lymph nodes.
Photo of a blue nevus on the arm
Cellular growth is characterized by a darker color, an uneven surface and a size of up to 3 cm. Because of this, it is sometimes mistaken for a malignant tumor. It is found on the lumbosacral region and ankle. Such neoplasms have not so large, in comparison with the previous species, the amount of melanin.
After removal of such a blue nevus may appear again, but it rarely gives metastases to .
The combined type is on the face and represents the fusion of the blue nevus with the intradermal, borderline, pigmented. The edges of such a shape may not be perfectly clear. Most often localized on the back of the hands, on the neck.
Clinical manifestations of
A blue nevus is an oval or round shaped nodule. In rare cases, the diameter of this new growth reaches 3 cm. Sometimes the nevus rises on the skin or not.
Differs from other similar diseases:
- with a small infiltration,
- with the presence of blue shades,
- solitary foci of defeat.
Some scientists believe that sometimes a blue nevus is formed from the usual complex pigment type. It should be noted that this species is the only melanocytic formation that is not related to the epidermis.
Often a person does not notice any clinical manifestations of the disease, and education itself is very slowly growing, so it remains a long time unnoticed.
How dangerous is the blue nevus of the skin?
In most cases, nevuses become damaged in malignant formation, melanoma.
To distinguish the blue nevus from cancer, it is necessary to observe it. Benign change practically does not change in sizes, has uniform coloring. On such a mole there can be no cracks or hair growth.
If these conditions change, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor, as there is a possibility of malignancy( transformation into a malignant tumor).
The following factors may increase the risk of malignancy:
- Spot trauma,
- regular mechanical impact,
- face location,
- presence of a large number of sites affected by nevi,
- immunodeficiency, hormonal imbalance.
- signs of malignant process
Sometimes it is possible to suspect the appearance of a malignant process yourself. For this you need to look at the birthmark. Its rapid increase, the appearance of cracks and peeling may indicate a change in the process. Also, patients often note aching, itchy sensations in the area of growth.
Bad signs are the loss of clear boundaries, inflammation of adjacent areas, discoloration. Sometimes a small amount of blood appears.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis usually does not cause problems, because the blue nevus is outwardly different from all the others.
Sometimes it becomes necessary to conduct additional studies.
- Dermatoscopy is performed using a special tool that allows you to magnify the image many times dozens. This examination helps to notice the changes that take place on the surface of the nevus. The method allows to reveal, if the formation began to be transformed into melanoma.
- Syskopia allows you to determine the direction by which melanin is distributed on the site. The procedure consists in submitting a special device to the affected area. Almost immediately you can determine whether the disease is dangerous or not.
Transformation and growth of blue nevus is determined using ultrasound. It is also sometimes necessary to take a smear from the affected area.
Treatment and removal of blue nevus
In most cases, a surgical treatment for blue nevus is suggested. It is prescribed for medical reasons or at the request of the patient. In the first case, we are talking about the transformation of a birthmark into a malignant entity.
Patients are encouraged to carry out removal using several methods:
- tissue excision,
- cryodestruction,
- laser surgery,
- electrocoagulation.
The first type is performed using standard surgical instruments. Skin pigments and a patch around are removed.
Cryodestruction - the freezing of tissues, which leads to the fact that the cells cease to divide and eventually disappear. Laser surgery is used very often. Can be used with a large number of nevi. Electrocoagulation can destroy cells under the influence of electric current.
It is also recommended to be very careful about the blue nevus, not to allow damage to it. But even the constant observance of these rules does not exempt from regular visits to the doctor. Patients with blue nevus need to be consulted once a year.