Other terms
- New Drug Application (NDA)
- Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
- NK cells
- Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Novel Cytokines
- Objective Endpoints
- Ocular Disease
- Oculocutaneous Albinism
- Office for Human Research Protection (OHRP)
- Omics
- Oncogenesis
Nevi (Moles)
What is Nevi? Nevi, commonly known as moles, are a widespread type of skin growth characterized by clusters of melanocytes, the pigment-forming cells. They typically manifest as small, dark brown spots and can appear at any age, although most people develop 10 to 40 during childhood and adolescence. In most cases, moles are benign, but they can, on rare occasions, become cancerous.
Types of Nevi
Various forms of nevi exist, differentiated by their color, texture, shape, and size. Understanding these distinctions is essential for clinical assessment and management.
- Common Nevi: Generally uniform in color and less than 5mm in diameter, usually benign.
- Atypical Nevi: Irregular in shape and color and may have a slightly increased risk of malignant transformation.
- Congenital Nevi: Present at birth, varying in size, and carrying a risk profile depending on their dimensions.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of nevi becoming cancerous:
- Number of Moles: More than 50 moles indicate a heightened risk of melanoma.
- Family History: A personal or familial history of melanoma increases the risk.
- Congenital and Atypical Nevi: Larger moles present at birth or irregularly shaped moles present a greater risk for melanoma development.
Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/moles/symptoms-causes/syc-20375200
