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Benign Melanocytic Tumors

»	What is a mole?
»	What is a nevus?
»	Are there different types of melanocytic nevi?
»	How do melanocytes get to the skin?
»	Explain the natural developmental history of melanocytic nevi.
»	What is a halo nevus?
»	What is a congenital nevus?
»	What is the risk of developing a malignant melanoma in a congenital nevus?
»	What is a blue nevus?
»	Can blue nevi become malignant?
»	What is a combined melanocytic nevus?
»	How does a nevus of Ota differ from a nevus of Ito?
»	What is the best way to treat nevus of Ota?
»	What is a Mongolian spot?
»	What is a Spitz nevus?
»	Where do Becker’s nevi occur?
»	What is a dysplastic (atypical) melanocytic nevus?
»	What is the preferred terminology for dysplastic (atypical) nevi?
»	What is the clinical relevance of atypical melanocytic nevi?
»	Describe the genetic mutations found in atypical melanocytic nevi.
»	How common are atypical melanocytic nevi?
»	Is there a difference between an atypical nevus and melanoma in situ?
»	What is the recommended treatment for an atypical nevus and melanoma in situ?
»	Describe the clinical appearance of atypical nevi.
»	Is there a difference between a liver spot and a freckle?
»	What is a café-au-lait macule?
»	What is a nevus spilus?
»	Can melanocytic nevi arise in locations other than the skin?
»	What is a labial lentigo?

Are there different types of melanocytic nevi?

Yes. Melanocytic nevi can be classified according to their histology based on
1. location of the nevus cells (e.g., junctional, compound, or intradermal nevi),
2. cytologic atypia (e.g., atypical [dysplastic] nevi, and
3. morphology and architectural arrangement of nevus cells (e.g., Spitz and spindle cell nevi).

Melanocytic nevi can also be classified based on their appearance (e.g., halo nevi or blue nevi). In addition, there are congenital melanocytic and acquired nevi.