Clinical and dermoscopic patterns of melanocytic nevi in Hispanic adolescents: a descriptive study

Abstract

Melanocytic nevi are well-known, important precursors of melanoma among children and adults. The adolescence period is an important period for nevi formation and evolution. This study provides data of a longitudinal study of nevi in a Hispanic adolescent population. A cross-sectional survey and 1-year prospective follow-up study was performed on Hispanic students from grades 6 and 7 at a school in Caguas, Puerto Rico (n=90). The survey was completed by the students and one of their parents. The backs of the children were clinically examined for melanocytic nevi using digital photography and dermoscopy. Follow-up was conducted one year later. The study cohort consisted of 53 (59%) boys and 37 (41%) girls, with an average age of 11.9years (range 11-13years). At the beginning of the study, 85% (n=71/90) of the students presented with melanocytic nevi on their backs. After one year, new nevi were identified in 62% (n=44/71), and there was a mean increase in nevus count of 1.8 (P<0.001). A trend toward increased nevus count in lighter skin types was observed (P<0.001). The predominant dermoscopic pattern was reticular (44%). The globular pattern was found most commonly in children with skin-type II (100%), while the reticular pattern was the most common among skin-types III (32%), IV (56%), and V (45%). This study supports the utility of digital photography and dermoscopy for the evaluation of melanocytic nevi, providing evidence of the interrelationship between nevus count, dermoscopic pattern, and skin phenotype.