What does an epidermal nevus look like?

What does an epidermal nevus look like?

They can be flat, tan or brown patches of skin or raised, velvety patches. As affected individuals age, the nevi can become thicker and darker and develop a wart-like (verrucous) appearance. Often, keratinocytic epidermal nevi follow a pattern on the skin known as the lines of Blaschko.

Can epidermal nevus turn cancerous?

In epidermal nevus syndrome, nevus formation of various types may be associated with neurologic, ocular, skeletal, or other systemic abnormalities. It has been recognized that epidermal nevi, especially of the organoid type, are associated with an increased risk of BCC and occasionally, squamous cell carcinoma.

Can epidermal nevus be removed?

The only way to completely remove these lesions is to have them removed by surgery. Laser does not permanently remove epidermal nevi.

What causes epidermal nevus?

Most epidermal nevus syndromes are thought to be caused by a gene mutation that occurs after fertilization of the embryo (postzygotic mutation), at an early stage of embryonic development. Affected individuals have some cells with a normal copy of this gene and some cells with the abnormal gene (mosaic pattern).

Are nevus genetic?

The term nevus is derived from a Latin root meaning “birthmark,” implying that nevi are present at birth. However, despite the root meaning, the majority of nevi are acquired after birth. Interestingly, these acquired nevi share genetic and environmental risk factors with malignant melanoma.

Does nevus sebaceous grow?

After adolescence The nevi may also grow in size as a child moves through adolescence. Nevi sebaceous have only cosmetic symptoms. They don’t itch or cause pain, unless secondary complications arise like sores. There’s typically only one lesion present, and it usually presents on the scalp.

Can an epidermal nevus grow back?

It may not be possible if the nevus originates too deeply. Recurrence has been known to happen in some cases. Scarring is a significant and inevitable limitation of this modality. Other modes of ablating superficial layers of the skin include cryosurgery, dermabrasion, electrosurgery, and laser surgery.

Do nevus go away?

Congenital melanocytic nevi do not go away with time. Some congenital melanocytic nevi may get lighter in color over the first few years of life.

Can a nevus grow?

It is present from birth (congenital) or is noticeable soon after birth. The nevus may be small in infants, but it will usually grow at the same rate the body grows and will eventually be at least 40 cm (15.75 inches) across. The nevus can appear anywhere on the body, but it is more often found on the trunk or limbs.

What are epidermal nevus?

Epidermal nevi are typically seen at birth or develop in early childhood. Affected individuals have one or more nevi that vary in size. There are several types of epidermal nevus that are defined in part by the type of epidermal cell involved.

What are some rare histologic patterns found in epidermal nevi?

Numerous rare histologic patterns have been described within epidermal nevi such as acanthosis – nigricans – like, hailey – hailey – like, acantholytic dyskeratosis, others

What causes epidermal nevi on the head?

Epidermal nevi often occur on the trunk, limbs, face or scalp. Epidermal nevi can be striking and obvious in appearance or subtle and easy to miss. Generally, epidermal nevi on the head and face are more likely to be associated with malformations of the brain, eyes and cranial bones.

What imaging techniques are used to diagnose epidermal nevus (en)?

Such imaging techniques may include computerized tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Whether a child with an epidermal nevus should undergo such imaging techniques is controversial. Some researchers believe that these tests should be avoided unless there are clinical signs of central nervous involvement.