Melanocytic skin lesions and pregnancy: digital dermoscopy analysis

Abstract

The study showed that pregnancy leads to significant modifications in PSL, especially with regard to pigment network, globules and architectural order or disorder.

Using Dermoscopic Criteria and Patient-Related Factors for the Management of Pigmented Melanocytic Nevi

“…It has been shown that these changes linearly increase with the length of pregnancy and are most evident during the third trimester and at the time of delivery. [56][57][58][59] These changes also reverse themselves approximately 3 to 6 months after delivery, and so reexamination of nevi at that time is usually recommended. Since any change during a 3-month interval must be considered suspect, the physiologic changes of nevi should be taken into account when performing shortterm digital follow-up.…”

Association between Melanocytic Nevi and Risk of Breast Diseases: The French E3N Prospective Cohort

“…Number of sunburns [8],[11]–[13] and low latitude [12],[14]–[18] have also been associated with increased nevus prevalence. Because number of nevi peaks during puberty [1] and nevi are reported to be darker and larger during pregnancy [19],[20], a hormonal influence on nevi may also be speculated. Consistently, melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells, have been shown to express estrogen and androgen receptors [21].…”

Nevi and pregnancy

“…There was also a statistically significant increase in the total dermoscopy score between the first and third trimesters. In a study using digital dermoscopy to evaluate 206 nevi in pregnant patients, excluding those on the breasts, abdomen, and acral regions, 21 lesions were observed between weeks 5 and 8, weeks 39 and 41, and again 1 year after delivery. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed that during pregnancy the pigment network thickens, becoming more prominent, and globules of nevi with a globular pattern darken.…”