Updated June 10, 2015.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Definition:
A nevus is a birthmark or mole that appears on the skin and is benign. Those with more than 50 nevi (plural form of nevus) are at an increased risk of developing melanoma.
There are many types of nevi. Most nevi form during childhood and teen years, but some are present at birth. In relation to skin cancer, people should keep an eye out for an atypical nevus. This is a mole or spot that has characteristics that make it abnormal in appearance.
Look out for the following:
Not all atypical nevi are cancerous, but it is important to have a dermatologist examine any abnormal skin moles, spots, or lesions to assess the risk.
Also Known As: mole, birthmark
Alternate Spellings: nevi (plural)
Common Misspellings: nevis
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Definition:
A nevus is a birthmark or mole that appears on the skin and is benign. Those with more than 50 nevi (plural form of nevus) are at an increased risk of developing melanoma.
There are many types of nevi. Most nevi form during childhood and teen years, but some are present at birth. In relation to skin cancer, people should keep an eye out for an atypical nevus. This is a mole or spot that has characteristics that make it abnormal in appearance.
Look out for the following:
- irregular border
- large diameter
- variation in color
Not all atypical nevi are cancerous, but it is important to have a dermatologist examine any abnormal skin moles, spots, or lesions to assess the risk.
Also Known As: mole, birthmark
Alternate Spellings: nevi (plural)
Common Misspellings: nevis
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