Nevus - photo, description of nevi, important information. Malignant moles: how to promptly detect and properly treat How to get rid of nevus Otto on the face

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A mole (nevus) is called benign neoplasm on the skin, which is caused by the accumulation of pigment cells - melanocytes. When there is an excess of melanin, the substance that gives color to the skin, dark growths form. When the production of this substance decreases, a person may develop a white birthmark.

There are several classifications of birthmarks on the body:

• Depending on the depth at which they formed, they are divided into epidermal, intradermal and borderline;
• Based on their appearance, they are divided into melanocytic (flat), noncellular (convex) and organoid (warty);
• Also, moles vary in size and are conventionally divided into small, medium, large and giant;
• By color they can be divided into red (vascular), dark (pigmented, non-vascular) and white.

Places of formation of moles

Neoplasms can be congenital - appear immediately at birth, or acquired - appear throughout life. Most of them are formed during pregnancy, puberty, and also during menopause in women, since the formation of melanin is influenced by melanotropic hormone, the production of which increases with hormonal changes in the body.

Nevi can appear anywhere on the skin, including mucous membranes. Depending on the depth of the skin layer on which they formed, they are divided into the following types:

• Epidermal - formed on the top layer of skin;
• Intradermal - formed in the dermis (deeper layer of skin);
• Borderline - formed at the border of the epidermis and dermis.

Appearance of moles

Moles differ from each other not only in the place of formation, but also in appearance:

• Flat (melanocytic) nevi are the most common and safe look. Usually these are small, smooth, oval-shaped spots.
• Noncellular (convex) dark-colored neoplasms rise above the skin and have a flat or rough surface on which hairs can grow;
• Organoid (warty) nevi are black, brown or blue in color, which in appearance resemble warts - they protrude above the skin and are pedunculated. This type requires special attention, since they are more susceptible to injury than others.

Mole size

Nevi vary in size:

• Those that have a diameter of up to 1.5 cm are classified as small neoplasms;
• Moles with a diameter of up to 10 cm are considered medium;
• Large moles have a diameter of over 10 cm;
• Giant moles are very large. They can cover most of the chest, face, lower legs - that is, affect the entire anatomical region.

The most dangerous are giant nevi - the risk of transforming into malignant tumor they reach 50%, so such moles require mandatory consultation with a doctor.

Red (vascular) nevi

Red moles occur due to malfunctions blood vessels– capillaries, arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels. Depending on which vessel malfunctioned, neoplasms may be different sizes and colors (pink, red and blue-red):

• If the neoplasm appears from capillary vessels, then it is flat and rises slightly above the skin;
• If the red neoplasm occurs due to a malfunction of the arteries and veins, which are located deeper in the dermis, then it rises in the form of a tubercle above the skin.

The most common the following types vascular neoplasms:

• Hemangioma;
• Vascular malformation (port stains and stork bites).

Hemangioma

You can often find another name for hemangioma - strawberry birthmarks. They appear in the first 2–4 weeks of a child’s life. First, light plaques or small red swellings form on the skin. Gradually, the edges of the hemangioma acquire clear outlines and turn red.

Typically, strawberry moles disappear on their own by the age of 7. The process of reverse development of hemangioma begins from the center: the color becomes more saturated cherry-red, over time the surface gradually turns pale, becomes less elastic - the hemangioma disappears.

Vascular malformation

These are congenital red moles that appear during the first weeks of a child's life. Vascular malformation causes malfunction of blood vessels, which manifests itself on the skin in the form of red growths:

• Port wine stains are usually located on the face, arms and torso. First they Pink colour, darken over time and become a rich red or bright crimson color. If the child is nervous, crying or has a fever, the color becomes brighter and more intense. Port wine stains do not disappear with age, they only change their color and texture. In adults they are purple and the surface is more lumpy.
• A stork bite is another common type of vascular harmless neoplasm on the skin of a newborn in the neck, forehead, back of the head and temples. Their formation is associated with fetal hypoxia, which leads to compression of blood vessels. These moles are red or orange-pink in color. As a rule, they are irregular in shape with unclear boundary outlines. Their sizes are also different: most often they are small specks, like a fingerprint. Such vascular neoplasms disappear without treatment in the first year of a child’s life.

Pigmented nonvascular moles

Almost every person has dark pigment changes on the skin. Unlike vascular neoplasms, which appear from abnormal malfunctions of blood vessels, this type of birthmark occurs from excess production of melanin, the coloring pigment. The color of such spots ranges from gray to brown. They can also have different surfaces (rough and smooth) and hairs. Common safe types are:

• Lentigo;
• Mongolian spots;
• Coffee stains.

Lentigo (flat moles)

This is the most common species pigmented neoplasms that can be found on the body of every person. Lentigo is a spot with an equal color range, ranging from light brown to brown. It appears due to increased output melanin. The color becomes more intense when exposed to ultraviolet light.

Mongolian spots

Such neoplasms are round pigment spots of a bluish tint, which are most often located in the lumbar and sacral zone. They disappear without treatment before adolescence.

Coffee stains

These are small flat spots the color of coffee with milk. The presence of 1–2 café-au-lait-colored neoplasms is not considered pathological. If there are 3 or more spots, it is required additional diagnostics, since they can be a symptom of neurofbromatosis, a disease in which a tumor forms from nerve cells.

Melanoma-dangerous moles

Some pigmented neoplasms can develop into malignant melanoma, so sometimes they are classified into a separate group - melanoma-dangerous. The most common types of melanoma-dangerous moles:

• Blue nevus;
• Dysplastic nevus;
• Nevus Ota;
• Papillomatous birthmark;
• Pigmented borderline neoplasm;
• Giant pigmented mole.

Blue nevus

Pigmented nevi of a blue or dark blue hue. Their diameter is up to 2 cm. They are often shaped like a hemisphere and have a smooth surface. Localized on the buttocks, face and limbs.

Mole Ota

A large pigmented neoplasm on the face that is blue-gray or dark brown in color. It doesn't go away on its own. Requires treatment.

Dysplastic nevus

Pigmented neoplasms various forms more than 1 cm in diameter. A distinctive feature is blurry outlines and reddish shades. Localized on the buttocks and chest. Passed on by inheritance.

Papilomatous nevus

A convex pigmented mole with irregular outlines and an uneven surface. Color ranges from flesh to dark brown. Most often localized on the head, the surface may be riddled with hairs.

Pigmented borderline neoplasm

The nodule is black or dark brown with a dry and smooth surface. Diameter - up to 10 mm. Pigmented border nevi are most often localized on the genitals, in the areas of the palms and soles, as well as on the nail beds.

Giant pigmented mole

The giant nevus has a warty, loose, heterogeneous surface from gray to black. There is dynamics in development - the nevus is growing every year.

White moles

Unlike pigmented neoplasms, which appear when there is an excess of melanin, a white birthmark is formed when the production of cells that produce melanin decreases. White moles can be of different sizes and have different surfaces (smooth or rough). Often light-colored neoplasms are symptoms serious illnesses, but sometimes they can only be an individual feature of human skin and are not dangerous to health. Therefore, white moles must be observed by doctors.

As you can see, there are different types birthmarks. They have one thing in common - they demand careful attitude and control to prevent their transformation into melanoma (cancer) – malignancy on the skin.

Nevus Ota It is represented by a single spot or a group of interconnected pathological elements of dark blue color and irregular shape that appear in the area of ​​the cheek, eye and upper jaw.

Often the manifestations are located on one side of the face. Additionally, the eye membranes and sclera, and the nasopharyngeal mucosa may be stained. The pathology belongs to the group of melanoma-dangerous pigmented nevi, but cases of its malignancy are rare.

If a disease occurs, patients should contact a dermatologist and continue to undergo clinical observation with this specialist. Surgical treatment is resorted to if signs of malignancy are detected.

The pathology is named after the Japanese ophthalmologist M.T. Ota, who first described it. There are other names for the disease:

• oculodermal melanocytosis;
• oculocutaneous melanosis;
• Ota-Sato phakomatosis.

This condition most often occurs in people belonging to the Mongoloid race. Isolated cases of the disease have been reported in people of Caucasian and Negroid races.

Symptoms

The pathology manifests itself as blue-black pigmentation that occurs on the skin of the lower eyelid, in the temple area, cheekbones, cheeks and upper jaw. As a rule, localization is unilateral; it is extremely rarely bilateral. The formation occurs in a single copy or may consist of a group of merging elements that have a uniform color.

There are cases where the manifestations had varying degrees of staining.

Typical additional symptom The pathology is bluish or brown pigmentation that appears on the sclera, iris and conjunctiva of the eye.

Rarely, staining of the borders of the lips, mucous membranes of the throat, palate, larynx and nose occurs. It should be noted that the localization of the spots coincides with the area of ​​​​innervation of the I and II branches trigeminal nerve. However, the disease does not have neurological or visual impairment.

Nevus of Ota can be hereditary, in which case it manifests itself in early childhood or at the time of puberty. Education does not disappear, but remains for life.

Quite rarely, the pathology transforms into a malignant form and skin melanoma develops. In this case, the following changes occur with the pathological element:

• the color becomes darker or lighter;
• the color changes to uneven;
• redness occurs in the marginal areas;
• the outline is blurred;
• cracks, erosions or bumps appear on the surface of the element.

Causes

To date, there is no accurate data revealing the cause of this pathological condition.

Most researchers believe that the disease is hereditary.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis is based on the clinical picture and the typical location of the manifestation. Additionally, a dermatologist may prescribe the following studies:

• dermatoscopy;
• siascopy;
• histological study.

The disease is differentiated from melanoma, Mongolian spot and giant pigmented nevus.

Since the disease cannot be cured, the emerging element is mainly considered as a cosmetic problem that requires daily use of concealers.

Patients need to be constantly monitored by a dermatologist and undergo examination every 3 months in order to promptly identify signs of transformation into melanoma.

If a change in color occurs, a sharp increase in the spot or its ulceration, then this indicates a malignant process. In this case, immediate surgery and radiotherapy of tumors.

Prevention

Prevention is aimed at preventing the nevus from becoming malignant; for this it is necessary to avoid sun exposure and use sunscreens containing a high protection factor.

Patients should visit a dermatologist regularly and undergo quarterly examinations.

Nevi of Ota and Ito are pigmented birthmarks on the face and shoulder region, often congenital. They don’t go away on their own. Successfully treated with laser. Rarely progress to melanoma. You need to contact a dermatologist.

Synonyms: oculocutaneous melanosis, oculodermal melanocytosis, dark blue orbital-maxillary nevus.

Nevus Ota appears on the face. Nevus of Ito - on the neck and shoulder-scapula region.

ICD10 code: D22 (melanocytic nevus).

Causes

The reasons are congenital. During the stages of intrauterine development, the formation of skin cells along the trigeminal nerve on the face is disrupted. As a result, immediately after birth or during the first 20 years of life, a child may develop nevus of Ota.

Symptoms and manifestations

Nevus Ota and Ito appear:

• mostly in women
• most often among the Mongoloid race

Symptoms:

• a spot of increased pigmentation on the face, auricle, on the conjunctiva of the eye, on the inner surface of the cheek,
• spot of gray-bluish, bluish-brown color,
• the stain is uneven and unevenly colored,
• grows slowly
• itself never passes or disappears,
• extremely rarely develops into melanoma,
• none traditional methods don't help
• never appear in adults over 20 years of age.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made by a dermatologist.
Evaluated clinical picture(symptoms). Dermatoscopy is performed.

It is necessary to differentiate nevi of Ota and Ito from melanoma. For this purpose, in complex diagnostic cases, a skin biopsy can be performed.

Also, in the early stages, such birthmarks on the face and shoulder should be differentiated from early stage Becker's nevus.

Treatment

The only treatment for nevus of Ota and Ito is laser removal.

Optimal treatment effect:

• from the use of Q-switched fractional laser with Q-switching,
• V initial stages diseases in children.

The mechanism of action of such a laser: a laser beam of medium power affects the skin within nanoseconds, that is, in a very short period of time. During this time, the pigment in the skin is destroyed. In this case, the surrounding tissues are not affected, and no deep burn occurs. That is, no scars will form on the skin in the future.

After exposure to a Q-switched laser, the destroyed pigment particles are absorbed by special skin cells (melanophages) and excreted. The skin gradually becomes lighter.

The mechanism of action of laser on Ott's nevus

Usually the procedure lasts from 5 to 30 minutes (depending on the size of the oculocutaneous nevus). It is performed under local anesthesia. Per course – 5-8-10 procedures. The break between procedures is 30-40 days for complete healing of the facial skin.

Removal video

Attention!!! For removal on the face you cannot use:

• conventional laser with constant radiation (),
• a liquid nitrogen in the form of long-term effects on the skin (),
• electrocoagulation.

All these procedures can lead to the formation of scars on the facial skin.

Oculocutaneous melanosis is more often called nevus of Ota. This nevoid formation received its name in honor of the Japanese ophthalmologist M. T. Ota. The scientist described this skin disease in detail in 1930, although the first descriptions date back to more ancient times.

Nevus of Ota is a nevoid skin formation in the form of a dark blue spot and irregular shape. This formation is located on the face - on the skin of the upper jaw and cheeks. Sometimes pigmentation elements are located not only on the skin, but also on the sclera of the eyes, mucous membranes of the mouth and nose.

Oculocutaneous melanosis belongs to the group of melanoma-dangerous nevi, however, cases of malignancy of this formation are quite rare. Nevus of Ota occurs predominantly in representatives of the Mongoloid race, and in women more often than in men. However, the literature describes cases of the formation of oculocutaneous melanosis in representatives of other races.

Reasons for appearance

To date, the causes of nevus of Ota have not been established. There is a theory about the hereditary nature of this skin formation, but this theory has not yet received sufficient confirmation.

Clinical picture

The process of degeneration is accompanied by pronounced symptoms. The formation changes color; it may become darker or, on the contrary, significantly lighter. Perhaps the pigmentation of the spot will lose its uniformity.

Along the borders of the nevus, it is possible that an area of ​​hyperemia may form. The contour of the spot may change or become blurred, and bumps, erosions, or cracks may appear on the surface of the lesion.

For any changes appearance nevus, you must immediately contact an oncologist.

Diagnostic methods

In most cases, to diagnose nevus of Ota, an examination of the formation by a dermatologist is sufficient. However, if doubt arises, an additional examination is prescribed.

It is important to distinguish nevus of Ota from melanoma, pigmented giant nevus.

To clarify the diagnosis, the following studies are carried out.

Nevus of Ota, or, as it is also called, oculodermal melanocytosis, is a nevoid dermatological disease that manifests itself in the form of dark blue skin formations. The disease mainly affects the cheeks, eye area and upper jaw. When diagnosing nevus of Ota, patients are recommended to undergo regular examination by a doctor.

What it is

Nevus Ota (Ita) is named after the famous Japanese ophthalmologist, who, while studying this disease, was the first to describe it in detail in his scientific works. There are others in medicine titles diseases such as Ota-Sato phakomatosis, Ota syndrome and oculocutaneous melanosis.

The peculiarity of the pathology is that it is mainly diagnosed in representatives of the Mongoloid race. But in rare clinical cases, pathology can be detected in people of Caucasian or Negroid race.

Causes

Doctors cannot yet determine the exact cause of the formation of such moles. But there are certain factors that contribute to the development of pathology. These include:

• development of accompanying skin diseases;
• genetic predisposition (if one of the parents was previously diagnosed with nevus of Ota, then their child will most likely also encounter pathology);
• negative impact ultraviolet;
• mechanical damage skin resulting from injury;
• violation hormonal background (mostly occurs in adolescence or during pregnancy);
• infection bacterial or viral agents.

Weakening immune system can also play a role in the development of pathology, since a weak body is not able to resist external infections, against the background of infection with which Ota-Sato phacomatosis can occur.

Characteristic symptoms

The disease is accompanied by a change in color skin lower eyelid, cheeks, cheekbones or temples. This causes the skin to become dark or blue.

In most cases, localization is unilateral, although pathology can affect both sides of the patient’s face at once. Nevus of Ota can have both multiple and single development.

Sometimes pathological process spreads to the sclera, conjunctiva or iris of the eye, manifesting itself as a change in pigmentation to brown.

In medicine, there have been cases where spots appeared on the palate, lips or nose. The disease can also affect the laryngeal mucosa. However, no accompanying symptoms are observed with nevus of Ota.

Can it develop into cancer?

Under certain conditions and under the influence of certain factors, nevi can develop into cancerous formations. Most often, large moles that appear on the human body immediately after birth are subject to malignancy. Also malignancy can occur with a rapid increase in the number or size of new elements.

You need to be wary of the appearance of birthmarks whose diameter exceeds 2 cm, as well as the following indicators:

• a small one appeared around the nevus bezel Red;
• the mole is colored unevenly;
• density formation changes sharply - from hard to softer or vice versa;
• small moles appeared on the surface hemorrhages, nodules;
• Along with the nevus, the patient developed itching, tingling or burning sensation in the affected area.

If one of the above symptoms appears along with a mole, then the first thing you need to do before visiting a doctor is to palpation regional lymph nodes. Then you need to contact a specialist as soon as possible.

Diagnostic features

When the first suspicious symptoms appear, the dermatologist conducts a diagnostic examination. In this case, factors such as the localization of the pathological focus and the clinical picture of the disease should be taken into account. First of all, the doctor conducts a visual examination, but if necessary, additional procedures may be prescribed.

Melanocytes localized in the deep layers of the dermis can be detected histological examination. Also, if the development of nevus of Ota is suspected, the doctor may prescribe siascopy and dermatoscopy.

In rare cases, a biopsy of the affected tissue is performed. Based on the results of the tests, the doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis. If oculodermal melanocytosis is confirmed, then the patient is prescribed an appropriate therapeutic course.

Treatment

Nevus of Ota, which for the most part is a purely cosmetic problem, is not accompanied by painful symptoms, so many patients disguise this defect with makeup and special concealers.

Since malignancy of a nevus occurs extremely rarely, and removal of a mole is complicated due to its location on the patient’s face, surgical Treatment for nevus of Ota, as a rule, is not carried out in modern dermatology.

Has excellent therapeutic properties laser procedure, that is, removal of oculocutaneous melanosis using a laser. When diagnosing a pathology, the patient must undergo regular examinations by a doctor in order to prevent or detect at an early stage the degeneration of a nevus into a cancerous tumor.

The formation of ulcers, a sharp growth or change in color of the pigment spot are the main factors indicating the occurrence of malignant transformation. Malignancy of a nevus requires timely surgical intervention and X-ray therapy(method radiation therapy, which consists of short-wave X-ray radiation of cells of formation).

After such procedures, the patient waits a long time rehabilitation period, during which he must comply with all orders of the attending physician. Also, during the recovery period, the patient is prescribed a special diet that promotes rapid rehabilitation.

Complications

Nevus of Ota is not accompanied by any complications. An exception may be the transformation of a nevus into melanoma. But malignancy occurs extremely rarely. To prevent such an outcome, you need to regularly undergo diagnostic examinations at the dermatologist.

An area of ​​hyperemia (overflow of blood vessels) may occur at the boundaries of the formation. The contours of the spot may change; small cracks, erosions or bumps may appear on the surface of the novus. Such changes are a reason to visit the clinic.

Self-medication for oculocutaneous melanosis is strictly not recommended, as this can cause nevi to develop into cancerous formations.