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nevus spilus
Pronunciation: NEE-vus SPY-lus
A speckled lentiginous nevus consisting of a tan patch with darker brown or black spots scattered throughout.
Full Definition
Nevus spilus, also known as speckled lentiginous nevus, is a benign melanocytic lesion that appears as a café-au-lait-colored background patch with superimposed darker melanocytic nevi or lentigines. These lesions are typically present at birth or develop in early childhood. While generally benign, nevus spilus requires monitoring as melanoma can rarely arise within these lesions. The speckled appearance distinguishes it from simple café-au-lait macules and warrants dermatoscopic evaluation.
Usage
Usage note: Emphasize the speckled pattern when documenting to differentiate from uniform café-au-lait macules.
In Context
- "The nevus spilus on the child's back showed typical speckled pigmentation on dermoscopy." — Dermatology report
- "Annual surveillance was recommended for the large nevus spilus given its melanoma risk potential." — Follow-up plan
Also known as
speckled lentiginous nevus
Don't confuse with
café-au-lait macule
congenital melanocytic nevus