The Complex Interplay between Nevi and Melanoma: Risk Factors and Precursors

One effort to combat the rising incidence of malignant melanoma is focused on early detection by the clinical and dermoscopic screening of melanocytic nevi. However, the interaction between nevi, which are congenital or acquired benign melanocytic proliferations, and melanoma is still enigmatic. On the one hand, the majority of melanomas are thought to form de novo, as only a third of primary melanomas are associated with a histologically identifiable nevus precursor. On the other hand, an increased number of melanocytic nevi is a strong risk factor for developing melanoma, including melanomas that do not derive from nevi. The formation of nevi is modulated by diverse factors, including pigmentation, genetic risk factors, and environmental sun exposure. While the molecular alterations that occur during the progression of a nevus to melanoma have been well characterized, many unanswered questions remain surrounding the process of nevus to melanoma evolution. In this review, we discuss clinical, histological, molecular, and genetic factors that influence nevus formation and progression to melanoma.

Automated summary

One approach to combat malignant melanoma is through early detection by screening melanocytic nevi clinically and dermoscopically. However, the relationship between nevi, which are benign melanocytic proliferations, and melanoma remains unclear. While most melanomas are believed to develop de novo, an increased number of nevi is a strong risk factor for developing melanoma. Various factors, such as pigmentation, genetics, and sun exposure, influence nevus formation and progression to melanoma. This review discusses the clinical, histological, molecular, and genetic factors involved in nevus formation and evolution into melanoma.