Nevus Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Nevus is a colored spot that is on the surface of the skin. These colored patches come from melanocyte cells, which form the color of skin and hair.
This condition generally appears at birth or soon after birth, is most common in young adults, and decreases in older people.
Nevus itself consists of various types, including melanocytic nevus, known as “mole” and giant hairy nevus.
This second type of nevus needs to be watched out for because around 10-15 percent of them can develop into malignant.
Nevus
| Medical specialist | Skin and genital specialist |
| Symptom | Colored patches on the surface of the skin |
| risk factor | genetics |
| How to diagnose | History, physical examination |
| Treatment | Excision |
| Complications | Malignancy |
| When to see a doctor? | If the size gets bigger quickly, it’s easy to cut or bleed |
Symptom
Basically, a nevus does not give any symptoms if it is benign.
However, you need to know the symptoms of a nevus developing into a malignant one, such as:
- Sudden cuts and bleeding
- The spots enlarge and the color gets darker
- Spread to the surrounding skin
- Around the nevus, there are smaller patches surrounding it
- Inflammation of the skin that appears suddenly
- Painful
- Itchy
Reason
Nevus is caused by melanocyte cells, which form the color of skin and hair, in one area of the skin.
In fact, melanocyte cells should be spread evenly on the surface of the skin.
In effect, the resulting pigment also gathers and gives a darker color.
Risk Factors
Actually, there are no risk factors that really underlie the appearance of a nevus.
However, people with a parental history of multiple nevuses can usually have something similar.
Diagnosis
Nevus disease can be diagnosed based on the clinical picture.
Usually, the doctor will physically examine the patient, such as if there is a dome-shaped or warty nevus spot and its size.
Treatment
Generally, a nevus does not require therapy, unless the patient wants the colored spot to be removed, or the doctor suspects a change toward malignancy.
The therapy that can be chosen in this condition is simple excision of a nevus that is suspected of being malignant.
Excision is a minor operation under local anesthesia. This procedure can be performed by general practitioners without going into the operating room.
This action is quite safe with good operational standards and a level of sterility, so there are no worrying side effects after surgery.
Prevention
Because it comes from melanocyte cells that protect the skin from damage, there is no way that can be done to prevent nevus.
Complications
A nevus that develops into a malignancy is very dangerous and quite difficult to treat. In infants, the condition of a giant congenital nevus can cause growth and development disorders.
Spots such as birthmarks or moles that are exposed to pollution, ultraviolet light, and harmful chemicals also have the potential to develop into melanoma—a type of malignant skin cancer.
The next nevus complication is neurocutaneous melanocytosis, which is a type of nerve disorder.
When the production of melanin cells as skin protectors from ultraviolet rays increases, melanin can enter the brain or spinal cord, where nerves gather.
The potential for this condition to occur is indeed small, namely only around 7 percent. However, patients with complications will experience nervous disorders, such as seizures, fainting, and vomiting.
When to See a Doctor?
If the size of the nevus increases rapidly, feels painful, easily injured or bleeds, it is highly recommended to do an immediate examination to the doctor.