title: Precursors of malignant melanoma. Problems in computing the risk of malignant melanoma arising in dysplastic and congenital nevocytic nevi.
abstract: It has recently been shown that both dysplastic and congenital nevi are precursors to malignant melanoma. These findings are based upon mathematical models that show an increased risk of the nevi evolving into melanoma over random choice. However, problems exist with these models that may invalidate their results. The recommendation to remove dysplastic and congenital nevi prophylactically based upon models such as these is premature.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000209:etiology*; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000150:complications* / Q000151:congenital; D012306:Risk; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*