Dysplastic melanocytic nevi of the lower leg: sex- and site-specific histopathology.
Site-specific histopathology features have been reported for acral, auricular, flexural, and genital melanocytic nevi, however, to the best of our knowledge, site- and sex-specific histology of dysplastic nevi on the lower leg (between knee and ankle) of women (DN-LW) has not been reported. In this retrospective histopathology study, we compared DN-LW (N = 42) with appropriate control groups of (1) DN of the lower leg of men (N = 20; DN-LM), (2) DN from the back of women (N = 20), (3) common nevi of the lower leg of women (N = 40), and (4) levels 1-2 superficial spreading melanoma of the lower leg of women (N = 20). Compared with dysplastic nevi on the back, DN-LW were smaller in diameter and exhibited a significantly higher score for pagetoid spread (P < 0.05). DN-LW compared with DN-LM showed sex-specific differences with (1) pagetoid spread (P < 0.05), (2) cytologic atypia (P < 0.05), (3) presence of large melanocytes (P < 0.05), and (4) band-like pigmentation in the dermis underlying the nevus (54% in DN-LW vs. 15% in DN-LM). As with other body sites, the dermatopathologist should be aware that dysplastic nevi occurring on the lower leg in women have site- and sex-specific features. Knowing this profile may lower the risk of misdiagnosing DN-LW and melanoma of the lower leg of women.
University of Regensburg, Clinic of Dermatology and Allergology, Hospital Munich Schwabing, Munich, Germany. brigitte.coras@klinikum-muenchen.de
Brigitte
B
Coras
Michael
M
Landthaler
Wilhelm
W
Stolz
Thomas
T
Vogt
D000328:Adult; D001415:Back; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004416:Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000473:pathology*; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D008875:Middle Aged; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D055815:Young Adult