Features of clinical and histological diagnosis of recurrent melanocytic nevus

Abstract

Despite the prevalence of melanocytic skin nevi (MSN) in the population, the management of patients especially with multiple melanocytic nevi remains ambiguous. According to some studies, after removal, the frequency of recurrence of MSN ranges from 11.7% to 20% after shave biopsy and destructive physical methods, respectively. Recurrent melanocytic skin nevus is a histological mimic of skin melanoma and requires careful diagnosis. The article presents a clinical case of recurrent melanocytic nevus that was first diagnosed with an optical device Handyscope (FotoFinder; Germany) and Handyscope3 app based on artificial intelligence (AI) and then confirmed by subsequent histological examination. Since it is impossible to predict which MSN will relapse and considering that the recurrence of melanocytic nevi does not always correlate with amount of lesion excision and a surgeon’s experience, it is necessary to develop clear criteria on the feasibility and removal method of melanocytic nevi, including the use of AI. All removals of melanocytic nevi should be carried out only with histological examination with further mandatory long-term follow-up. Keywords: recurrent melanocytic skin nevus, melanoma of the skin, melanocytic skin nevus