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| Fig. 41.5 Atypical nevi. A, Patient with familial atypical melanocytic nevus syndrome demonstrating numerous atypical nevi. B, An atypical nevus demonstrating marked variegation in color and loss of normal symmetry. |
No single feature is diagnostic of atypical nevi; instead, a collection of clinical findings is required for their diagnosis. Atypical nevi are usually larger than ordinary nevi (>6 mm) and have slightly irregular borders that fade into the surrounding normal skin (Fig. 41-5). Variation of color with an asymmetrical pattern is common. The colors vary from shades of brown to black, tan, and light red. The lesions typically have a dark center surrounded by pigment that has poor margination. Atypical nevi most frequently are located on the trunk, scalp, breast (in women) and bathing-trunk areas (in men).
