Nevus simplex: A reconsideration of nomenclature, sites of involvement, and disease associations

Background Nevus simplex (NS) is a common birthmark on the forehead, glabella, upper eyelids, and nape. More widespread involvement can be confused with port-wine stains (nevus flammeus) and other vascular birthmarks. Objectives To further categorize the anatomic locations in infants with extensive...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2010-11, Vol.63 (5), p.805-814
Main Authors: Juern, Anna M., MD, Glick, Zoey R., MD, Drolet, Beth A., MD, Frieden, Ilona J., MD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Back
Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome - epidemiology
Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome - pathology
Biological and medical sciences
Child, Preschool
Dermatology
Face - pathology
Female
Hemangioma, Capillary - epidemiology
Hemangioma, Capillary - pathology
Humans
Incidence
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Male
Medical sciences
Nevus - epidemiology
Nevus - pathology
Retrospective Studies
Scalp - pathology
Skin Neoplasms - epidemiology
Skin Neoplasms - pathology
Terminology as Topic
Tumors of the skin and soft tissue. Premalignant lesions
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Summary:Background Nevus simplex (NS) is a common birthmark on the forehead, glabella, upper eyelids, and nape. More widespread involvement can be confused with port-wine stains (nevus flammeus) and other vascular birthmarks. Objectives To further categorize the anatomic locations in infants with extensive NS and evaluate for any possible disease associations. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of patients with extensive NS seen at two tertiary care centers. Results Twenty-seven patients with extensive NS were identified. All had at least one typical site of involvement: glabella (77.8%), nape (59.3%), and eyelids (55.6%). Additional sites were the scalp, including the vertex, occiput, parietal (66.7%); nose (66.7%); lip (59.2%); lumbosacral skin (55.6%); and upper and mid back (14.8 %). Limitations Retrospective nature of the study and relatively small sample size. Conclusions We propose the term “nevus simplex complex” for NS with more widespread involvement beyond the typical sites. Consistent use of the term “nevus simplex” will aid in correct diagnosis and appropriate management of these birthmarks.
ISSN:0190-9622
1097-6787
DOI:10.1016/j.jaad.2009.08.066