One of the precursors of skin cancer formation is the dysplastic nevus.
Call it differently:
- Clark nevus,
- atypical nevus,
- lentiginous melanocytic dysplasia.
Spread and localization of
This spot occurs in 5% of the population, in the majority it is transmitted at the genetic level.
It consists of active, but immature cells that continue to produce melanin. Therefore, the risk of transformation of such a spot in melanoma is increased. The latter appears in 28% of cases.
The nevus of Clark appears during puberty or in childhood. If one is formed, the probability of the appearance of further neoplasms is high.
The first atypical spots often appear on closed areas of the body, in the scalp.
Reasons for the emergence of
The main prerequisite for the emergence is genetic predisposition. The basis for this appears in the intrauterine development, when there is accumulation of melanocyte skin in certain areas.
Whether the disease appears or not depends on external factors, such as excessive sunlight.
Clinical characteristics of
Dysplastic nevuses differ from others in their appearance. Typically, the edges are a smooth surface that is flush with the skin. In the center there is a roughness that rises above the skin.
The color is from dark beige to brown. The degree of saturation depends on the area on which the nevus appeared.
These phenomena and other features are distinguished:
- multiplicity,
- uneven outlines,
- large sizes,
- black hair growth.
The photo shows multiple Clark nevus( dysplastic or atypical)
In the study, the diagnosis is made in a situation where there is dysplasia of melanocytes, there are changes in the epidermis and its thickening, the dermal reaction manifests itself in the form of lymphoplasmocytic infiltration.
Three levels of Clark nevus are distinguished:
- , cell chains consisting of enlarged melanocytes are identified.
- there are congestions of melanin, which form round pockets similar to honeycomb honeycombs.
- There is an increase in signs of melanocyte atypia. Between the outbreaks there are bridges. In some cases it is difficult to differentiate the nevus and melanoma level 1.
Syndrome of dysplastic nevi
In people who have been diagnosed with this syndrome, the risk of skin cancer increases manyfold.
You can talk about such a diagnosis if you have melanoma from relatives of the 1st degree. The syndrome manifests itself in a variety of nevi, most of which are dysplastic.
Since the probability of the degeneration of such a nevus is great, the patient is examined at least once every 6 months.
In this case, a person is completely counter-indicative of being under the open sun and visiting the solarium. In some cases, the number of such formations exceeds 100.
Diagnosis
When studying the nevus, the specialist is faced with the task of differentiating it from non-cell, epithelioid, basalioma, melanosis of Dubreia.
For a more accurate diagnosis, the following is used:
- dermatoscopy,
- phosphor isotope indication,
- radiography,
- thermometry,
- sonography.
Because each birthmark is different in its properties, the doctor will need to carefully study it. Inspection refers not only to a specific site, but also to the whole body, including the mucous membranes. After that, instrumental and hardware research methods are assigned.
- Dermatoscopy is an examination that allows you to view the formation, enlarged several dozen times. The method is considered popular, because it allows to reveal the initial stage of development of melanoma.
- Phosphorus isotope indication is a highly sensitive technique associated with the accumulation of radioactive phosphorus in the formation. This substance takes part in the division of cells, but with the formation of melanoma, the process is significantly accelerated. Therefore, the method allows the most accurate diagnosis.
- Because the nevus can have a different shape, the sonography is performed, which involves the study of soft tissues around. This allows you to more accurately determine the size, especially if the formation sprouts into the thickness of the skin or into the subcutaneous fat.
- Radiography is carried out with the use of special equipment, as the classical technique will not allow to obtain the desired result. The method makes it possible to evaluate the structure itself, especially when it is inhomogeneous or has cavities and seals.
- Thermometry is a local measurement of skin temperature. When malignant cells appear, there is an increase in temperature at a given site. This is a consequence of a more active metabolism. With the development of melanoma, the temperature difference can reach up to 2.5 degrees.
- In some situations, the biopsy is assigned. Basically it is carried out after removal of the nevus. This is due to the fact that in some cases, traumatization with the use of tools can lead to serious consequences.
Treatment of
formation Medical and surgical effects are used.
The first species is rarely used, only in situations where a nevus is huge or in a place where it is almost impossible to get it.
Sometimes a person refuses surgical treatment, then a medication and preventive medication is prescribed, which will not allow turning into melanoma.
Methods for removal of dysplastic nevi
Urgent diagnosis and removal is required in situations where the dysplastic nevus begins to show any dynamics. The operation is necessary when the doctor begins to suspect that the formation has ceased to be benign.
The method of surgical excision depends on the size of the formation, on the features of the form. For example, if the dimensions are large, then the use of the laser is not practiced. This is due to the fact that the nevus can grow and become malignant again.
The laser is considered the most common in the process of removing small moles. This non-contact method of exposure does not leave scars, scars.
Sometimes an electric current or liquid nitrogen is used. Both options are like for small formations, can leave a scar. With the use of cryodestruction, the probability of incomplete removal of the formation remains.
Tissue excision occurs under anesthesia. Despite the fact that the scar remains, this method completely excludes the possibility of removing not all cells.
Features of treatment in children
In children, Clark's nevus is found if the genetic predisposition was the factor of its occurrence. Immediately after the birth of an education there are 5% of babies.
It is usually removed immediately if the birthmark is large in size or multiplicity. In children under two years, surgical treatment is performed in extreme cases. Usually prescribed medication.
Most often, the disease begins to manifest itself in adolescence. When spots appear, you must carefully monitor the skin condition, do not go under the sun, smear the body with a protective cream.
Doctors recommend that you follow the education and visit a dermatologist on time. When the nevus is changed, treatment and thorough diagnosis will be immediately indicated.
Prognosis and prophylaxis of the disease
Prognosis depends on hereditary factors and the stage of the disease. With timely treatment and constant observation, it is favorable. Doctors remind that it is necessary to prevent the formation of melanoma.
For this, dermatologists and oncologists will be offered:
- to avoid injury,
- not to sunbathe, including in the solarium,
- not to be outdoors in a swimsuit,
- , when changes appear, immediately contact a specialist.
If a large number of moles are focused on the back, it is best to fix them on the camera. This will allow them to observe their changes on their own. If a person has a symptom, doctors will suggest that all relatives be examined.
Video about the signs of the degeneration of the birthmark: