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Melanotic Spots and Melanocytic Nevi

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Braun-Falco´s Dermatology

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Abstract

Melanotic spots are characterized by a focal increase in melanin pigment; the number of epidermal melanocytes is normal or only slightly increased. Because of their clinical similarity, the differential diagnosis, and frequently overlapping features with melanocytic nevi, are both discussed together. Melanocytic nevi are benign, circumscribed proliferations of melanocytes in the skin. In older terminology, these melanocytes are called nevus cells. It is still a matter of discussion in which cases melanocytic nevi should be regarded as genetically determined malformations (hamartomas) or as benign tumors of the melanocytes. A large congenital melanocytic nevus is more likely to represent a hamartoma, whereas a melanocytic nevus acquired under ultraviolet radiation developing during puberty is more likely to be interpreted as a benign neoplasia of melanocytes. In daily routine, benign pigmented tumors are particularly important because of their distinction from melanoma.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinic for Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Helios Klinikum Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Germany

    Michael Tronnier

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  1. Michael Tronnier
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Correspondence to Michael Tronnier .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany

    Gerd Plewig

  2. Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany

    Lars French

  3. Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany

    Thomas Ruzicka

  4. Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany

    Roland Kaufmann

  5. Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany

    Michael Hertl

Section Editor information

  1. Head of the Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Frankfurt University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

    Roland Kaufmann

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Tronnier, M. (2022). Melanotic Spots and Melanocytic Nevi. In: Plewig, G., French, L., Ruzicka, T., Kaufmann, R., Hertl, M. (eds) Braun-Falco´s Dermatology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-63709-8_104

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-63709-8_104

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