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Natural History of Atypical and Equivocal Melanocytic Lesions in Children: An Observational Study of 19 Cases

Digital dermoscopy follow‐up helps to identify patterns of change typical of common atypical nevi and early melanoma and improves the follow‐up of patients with atypical nevi. We report the morphologic changes observed over time in 19 atypical or equivocal acquired melanocytic nevi that underwent dermoscopic follow‐up. Two observers retrospectively examined digitalized dermoscopic images of 19 atypical melanocytic nevi from 15 children and young adults (median age 12 years, range 3–26 years). The images were assessed for global dermoscopic patterns at baseline and after a median 25‐month (range 6–138 mos) follow‐up. Ten (52.6%) nevi changed and nine (47.4%) retained a stable dermoscopic pattern. Of the 10 changing lesions, 2 of 4 homogeneous nevi evolved into a reticular pattern and 2 into a mixed pattern; 1 of 2 nevi with a mixed pattern evolved into a homogeneous nevus and 1 into a regressing nevus; 1 of 2 nevi with “other” patterns, such as negative pigment network and peppering throughout the lesion, evolved into a mixed nevus and 1 into a regressing nevus; 1 globular nevus evolved into a mixed pattern; and 1 starburst nevus evolved into a homogeneous nevus. The most striking results of our study were that atypical nevi can evolve into common nevi or they can regress, as documented by long‐term dermoscopic follow‐up. In children and young adults, dermoscopic follow‐up of atypical nevi might be a valid alternative to surgical excision and enables us to achieve new insights into the natural history of these nevi.