¿Es halo nevus un fenómeno benigno? Revisión de la literatura

Abstract

Halo nevus represents a relevant diagnostic challenge in dermatology due to its clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathological similarity to regressing melanoma. With a prevalence of 1% in the general population, it typically presents during adolescence and is benign in this age group, while in adults it requires close surveillance. The pathophysiology involves an immune response mediated by CD8+ T lymphocytes against melanocytic cells, following characteristic evolutionary stages. Clinical presentation varies by age, with symmetric halos predominating in patients under 15 years versus irregular patterns in adults. The critical differential diagnosis is with regressing melanoma, distinguished by specific clinical and histopathological characteristics. Management is conservative in children and adolescents, while in adults individualized evaluation is required. Multiple eruptive halo nevi in adults may present paraneoplastic risk, warranting oncological evaluation. Biopsy is indicated in adults over 40 years with de novo lesions or atypical features. The prognosis is excellent in pediatric populations and requires differentiated follow-up in adults.