I Stanganelli1, S Rafanelli, L Bucchi. 1. Department of Dermatology and the Center for Cancer Prevention, Santa Maria delle Croci Hospital, Ravenna, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Available information of the effect of sun exposure on the biologic activity and morphologic characteristics of nevi is based on a few cross-sectional studies. According to these, nevi excised in summer show a higher mitotic count, a greater extent of the junctional component, and more frequent regression and inflammation. OBJECTIVE: Our goals were to obtain data on the seasonal prevalence of digital epiluminescence microscopy (D-ELM) patterns in acquired melanocytic nevi (AMN) and to test the reliability of D-ELM as a substitute for histology in prospective studies of the morphologic response of AMN to sun exposure. METHODS: Two independent series of AMN located on intermittently sun-exposed body sites and undergoing D-ELM in winter (n=121) and in summer (n=116) were compared for the prevalence of major ELM patterns. RESULTS: Cases in the summer series showed a greater frequency of a broad and prominent pigment network; black dots with varied size, irregular distribution, and peripheral location; and peripheral depigmentation. CONCLUSION: On the basis of known histologic correlates of D-ELM features, our findings were consistent with studies of seasonal histologic changes in AMN. D-ELM may be a useful tool in the prospective evaluation of effects of sun exposure on AMN morphology.
BACKGROUND: Available information of the effect of sun exposure on the biologic activity and morphologic characteristics of nevi is based on a few cross-sectional studies. According to these, nevi excised in summer show a higher mitotic count, a greater extent of the junctional component, and more frequent regression and inflammation. OBJECTIVE: Our goals were to obtain data on the seasonal prevalence of digital epiluminescence microscopy (D-ELM) patterns in acquired melanocytic nevi (AMN) and to test the reliability of D-ELM as a substitute for histology in prospective studies of the morphologic response of AMN to sun exposure. METHODS: Two independent series of AMN located on intermittently sun-exposed body sites and undergoing D-ELM in winter (n=121) and in summer (n=116) were compared for the prevalence of major ELM patterns. RESULTS: Cases in the summer series showed a greater frequency of a broad and prominent pigment network; black dots with varied size, irregular distribution, and peripheral location; and peripheral depigmentation. CONCLUSION: On the basis of known histologic correlates of D-ELM features, our findings were consistent with studies of seasonal histologic changes in AMN. D-ELM may be a useful tool in the prospective evaluation of effects of sun exposure on AMN morphology.
Authors: Fortunato Bianconi; Giuseppe M Masanotti; Arcangelo Liso; Francesco La Rosa; Emilio Duca; Fabrizio Stracci Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2016-04-28