title: Number and size of acquired melanocytic nevi and affecting risk factors in cases admitted to the dermatology clinic.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The size and number of acquired melanocytic nevi (AMN) and presence of dysplastic nevi are the leading risk factors that should be recognized in the development of malignant melanoma.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate AMN and risk factors in the development of AMN in all age groups admitted to a dermatology outpatient clinic.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four hundred and twelve patients who were admitted to the dermatology outpatient clinic for any dermatological symptom and who accepted to participate in the study were randomly included in the study. For each case, background-family history and dermatological findings were recorded. All AMN observed in the patients were dermatoscopically examined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The presence of more than 50 nevi was significantly higher in males, in individuals who had a history of sunburn and smokers. The number of nevi that were 5 mm and below was found to be higher in individuals who regularly sunbathed their face/body, in individuals using sunscreen, in individuals who had a history of sunburn, smokers and alcohol users. The number of nevi that were above 5 mm was higher in smokers. The total dermatoscopy score between 4.75 and 5.45 was found to be higher in individuals who had more than 50 nevi, in individuals exposed to more than one chemical substance and in alcohol users.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  When determining the patient's risk factors, factors such as the patient's sunbathing habits and chemical substance exposure features should be taken into consideration besides the number and size of nevi.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Clinic, Ağrı State Hospital, Ağrı, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ayşegül Yalçınkaya
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: İyidal
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Clinic, School of Medicine, Akdeniz University Antalya, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ülker
authors.initials: Ü
authors.lastname: Gül
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Clinic, School of Medicine, Balıkesir University, Balıkesir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Arzu
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kılıç
keywords: acquired melanocytic nevi; risk factors