Changes in size of melanocytic nevi during pregnancy

Digital Epiluminescence Microscopy in Nevi during Pregnancy

“…Our results in a small number of women who had noticed changes in their nevi during pregnancy seem to agree with those of Pennoyer et al [1], who could not demonstrate any significant changes of nevi located in areas apart from the abdomen and breast. The increase in the number of brown globules in the periphery of lesions with a globular pattern may simply be explained as the consequence of the thinning and expanding of the nevus so that deep nests are pushed against the basal membrane and simulate junctional nests.…”

“…As a result, there is considerable controversy as to whether pregnancy has an effect on MN and melanoma. Photographic studies have documented that pregnancy is not associated with any significant change in the size of MN [1]. However, in another study, 10.5% of pregnant women asserted that there were clinical changes in their pigmented lesions, but no significant …”

Melanoma in relation to reproductive and hormonal factors in women: current review on controversial issues

“…There is also darkening of the areolas and midline below the umbilicus during pregnancy which may be related to the increased pigmentation reported in naevi. Changes during pregnancy may be attributable to various non-melanocytic lesions which may also appear during pregnancy [27].…”

Cancer Treatment in Pregnancy

“…While pigmentary changes such as melasma and linea nigra suggest that pregnancy induces increased pigment production from melanocytes, the impact on existing nevi remains questionable. Pennoyer et al prospectively followed women with nevi through pregnancy and showed little change in existing nevi and no evidence of transformation to melanoma [ 81 ]. Furthermore, there is no evidence that women taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy have an increased risk for melanoma [ 82 , 83 ].…”