Nevi/Malignant Melanoma: Introduction
The section "Nevi / Malignant melanoma" was written by Henrik F. Lorentzen.
Henrik F. Lorentzen is a specialist in skin diseases, in the Dermatology Department of Odense University Hospital. His research interest is the early diagnosis of birthmark cancer.
Nevi
Nevus/nevi is used to designate benign skin tumours, which are often present at birth.
Nevi can consist of epidermis cells, melanocytes, vascular tissue and connective tissue components.
This overview focuses on the benign pigmented nevi (melanocytic nevi), as opposed to pre-malignant nevi and malignant melanomas.
Skin types
The lighter one's skin, the greater the risk of malignant melanoma.
So-called skin type I people (who when exposed to sunlight become red, but never brown), e.g. red-haired, also have a high risk, while skin type VI, Negro, most rarely contract MM.
Skin type labels
Fitzpatrick skin type (1988)
|
Skin type |
Skin colour |
Burning and tanning | |
1 |
White |
Always become red, never brown | |
2 |
White |
Always become red, can turn light brown | |
3 |
Light brown |
Can be burned, turn gradually brown | |
4 |
Moderate brown |
Become minimally red, turn light brown | |
5 |
Dark brown |
Rarely burned, become very brown | |
6 |
Black |
Never sunburned, deep dark pigmentation |
|
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