- Tumor made up of nevus cells, derived from melanocytes
- Most derived in the first 20 years of life
- Sometimes referred to as melanocytic nevus or 'mole'
- May or may not be pigmented
Lentigo
- Increased pigment in basal layer
- Melanocytes may be increased in number, but don't form nests
- More prevalent in older age
Congenital Nevus
- A hamartoma: a benign, but disorganized, growth of normal tissue elements in its region and which grows at a normal rate
- Possible risk of melanoma (especially if >20cm diameter)
Melanocyte
- Produce melanin
- Numerous stimuli, including UV and ACTH
- Located in the bottom layer of the epidermis
- Also found in the CNS, bones and heart
Mole
- As above, a common name for a (melanocytic) nevus
- Sometimes reserved specifically as a label for an intra-epidermal nevus, many non-pigmented
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