Recurrent Nevus: Clinical and Dermoscopic Features (Case Report)

Abstract

Introduction. Recurrent nevus is a benign melanocytic lesion that develops after incomplete removal of a pre-existing nevus, most commonly following superficial procedures such as shave excision, laser treatment, or electrocautery. It represents a diagnostic challenge because its clinical and dermoscopic features may mimic melanoma. Accurate diagnosis requires correlation between clinical history, dermoscopy, and histopathological findings. The aim of the study. To describe a clinical case of recurrent nevus and emphasize the importance of its differentiation from malignant melanoma through clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathological evaluation. Materials and methods. Search and analyze of literature data using content analysis, method of systematic and comparative analysis, bibliosemantic method of studying current scientific research in PubMed-NCBI, Medline, CochraneLibrary, EMBASE, ResearchGate using the following keywords: recurrent nevus, pseudomelanoma, dermoscopy, electrocautery, histopathology. A case on recurrent nevus after previous surgery was presented. The clinical examination included subjective and objective examination, assessment of dermatoscopic characteristics, carried out according to the H. Kittler algorithm and FotoFinder rating. Histopathological analysis was performed to verify the diagnosis. Correlation between clinical, dermatoscopic and histiological data are documented and analyzed. Results. A 36-year-old woman presented with recurrent pigmentation on the anterior abdominal wall six months after electrocautery removal of a melanocytic nevus. Dermoscopy revealed symmetrical, homogeneous brown pigmentation confined strictly to the scar, without melanoma-specific features. Given the absence of a prior histopathological report, complete excision was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed a recurrent nevus, showing benign melanocytic nests within dermal fibrosis without signs of malignancy. Conclusions. Recurrent nevi can clinically and dermoscopically resemble melanoma; therefore, careful clinico-dermoscopic correlation and histopathological evaluation are essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate clinical management.