Dermoscopy Patterns of Halo Nevi

Abstract

Background: Halo nevi (HN) are benign melanocytic nevi surrounded by a depigmented area (halo). This study aims to evaluate the dermoscopic features of HN and their changes during digital dermoscopic follow-up and to investigate the frequency of the halo phenomenon in a series of melanomas. Observations: In a retrospective study, digital dermoscopic images of HN from patients who attended the Pigmented Skin Lesions Clinic of the Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, between October 1, 1997, and March 31, 2004, were reviewed and classified by dermoscopic morphologic criteria. For HN that were followed up with digital dermoscopy, the percentages of changes in the size of the nevus and halo components were calculated. In addition, digital dermoscopic images of histopathologically confirmed melanomas obtained from the same database were reviewed for the presence of an encircling halolike depigmentation. We classified 138 HN in 87 patients (mean age, 22.4 years). The most common dermoscopic structures were the globular and/or homogeneous patterns in more than 80% of HN. Follow-up of 33 HN revealed considerable size reduction of the nevus component, but this was not associated with significant structural changes. Of a total of 475 melanomas, only 2 revealed an encircling halo, but both displayed clear-cut melanoma-specific patterns according to dermoscopy. Conclusions: Halo nevi exhibit the characteristic dermoscopic features of benign melanocytic nevi, represented by globular and/or homogeneous patterns that are typically observed in children and young adults. Halo nevi reveal considerable changes of area over time during digital dermoscopic follow-up, albeit their structural patterns remain unchanged. For this reason and because melanoma with halolike depigmentation, despite being rare, additionally exhibits melanoma-specific dermoscopic criteria, the role of digital dermoscopic follow-up in the diagnosis of HN is insignificant.

Dermoscopy of halo nevus in own observation

“…[3] and Kolm,s et al . [4] study the mean age was respectively 19 an 22 years) [3, 4]. The most typical location of HN was the posterior trunk [3], and generally the back [4] similar to our observation.…”

“…[4] study the mean age was respectively 19 an 22 years) [3, 4]. The most typical location of HN was the posterior trunk [3], and generally the back [4] similar to our observation. Halo nevus occurred mainly as a solitary lesion [11], what was also shown in our conducted study.…”

“…study [3] and 138 HN in 87 patients in Kolm et al . observation [4]. The patients’ phototype according to Fitzpatrick in our study was in favor of the 2 nd (66.6%) vs. the 3 rd (33.3%) in Schwartz’ observation [3].…”

Current Challenges in Deciphering Sutton Nevi—Literature Review and Personal Experience

“…Of the 17 patients, 11 (64.7%) were women and six (35.3%) were men. The mean age at presentation was 26.05 years (median 29; range 9-50), somewhat higher than previous studies (18.2%; 22.4%) [15,16]. The most frequent Fitzpatrick skin phototype we found was type III (15/17; 88.22%), followed by type II (2/17; 11.8%).…”

In Vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy of Halo Nevus

“…Their dermoscopic features were described as a multicomponent pattern with marked asymmetry of structures (atypical network, a blue-white veil, irregular dots and globules, streaks, and regression structures) and multiple colors. Despite the dermoscopic features of the halo-melanomas in this study showing clear-cut differences with HN, 9 there is a need for further studies that include earlier melanomas, which probably will have more subtle differences with HN.…”