Blue nevi are usually harmless but can become malignant and develop into melanoma. They are caused by an embryonic development mistake and can appear anywhere on the body. Atypical cellular blue nevi may become cancerous, and a doctor can determine if a nevus is a cause for concern. Monitoring and taking action if necessary is important.
A blue nevus is a small, bluish-colored spot on the skin and is usually benign. In some cases, however, these growths can become malignant and could develop into melanoma, or the melanoma initially appears to be a blue nevus and then reveals its true colors. A doctor might note moles, moles, and other growths in a patient’s medical record to enable them to be monitored over time. If the doctor notices changes, she may recommend a closer look to evaluate the patient for signs of cancer.
Blue nevi are often quite small and may sit on the surface of the skin or be slightly raised. Some are so dark they are almost black, others are more faded. The growth can appear anywhere on the body and appears to be the result of an innocent mistake during embryonic development that leads to the formation of a group of melanocytes, the pigmented cells that make skin appear darker. The growth should remain stable in shape, size and position over time.
Parents may notice a blue nevus on a young child. A pediatrician can observe the growth and determine if it is a health issue. Other times, a blue nevus may not show up until later in life. The sudden appearance of something that looks like a blue nevus is cause for concern, because it could be a malignant melanoma rather than a harmless skin discoloration. If a patient is unsure of the origins of a growth, she may choose to play it safe and go to a doctor for a quick exam.
In an atypical cellular blue nevus, the cells are of an unusual nature, indicating that they may become cancerous. A doctor can determine if a nevus is a cause for concern with a small scraping of the cells for evaluation under a microscope. If a pathologist identifies a problem, the patient has two options. One is to kill the growth immediately to prevent cancer from developing. The other is to simply monitor the blue nevus for signs of change and take action if it becomes necessary.
If a blue nevus is cause for concern and a doctor recommends monitoring it, they may take a photograph for reference. This can be helpful if the doctor and patient are unsure about changes in size or shape. Any changes are a cause for concern and require further investigation.
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