Derm: Melanocytic Naevus: Free MSRA Podcast

⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Melanocytic Naevus🎧 A clear, high-yield breakdown of this extremely common pigmented skin lesion – perfect for MSRA prep and clinical confidence.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• A melanocytic naevus (mole) is a benign proliferation of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin.• Think of it as a small cluster of pigment cells, forming a flat or raised lesion.📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Genetic predisposition – family history of moles or melanoma• UV exposure, especially early sunburns• Hormonal shifts – e.g. puberty, pregnancy🧠 Mnemonic: "SUN GLOWS" – Sunburn, UV, Naevus, Genes, Life stages, Oestrogen, Worrying Signs📌 Pathophysiology• Melanocytes multiply → cluster in different skin layers• Depth of the cluster defines the type of naevus• UV damage and genetic factors may trigger growth📌 Symptoms• Usually asymptomatic• Flat or raised, round or oval, brown/black/flesh-coloured• Can be macules, papules, or nodules• Changes in size, shape, or colour → potential red flag📌 Differential Diagnosis• Dysplastic naevus (atypical mole)• Melanoma – must be ruled out• Spitz naevus – can mimic melanoma• Seborrhoeic keratosis – stuck-on, waxy lesion• Dermatofibroma, pigmented BCC📌 Diagnosis• Clinical exam – first step• Dermoscopy – enhances assessment of suspicious lesions• ABCDE mnemonic for red flags:AsymmetryBorder irregularityColour variationDiameter >6mm or increasingEvolving (new symptoms/changes)• Excisional biopsy if suspicious or indeterminate📌 Management• Most require no treatment• Educate on self-monitoring and ABCDE changes• Excision biopsy for lesions:In hard-to-monitor sites (scalp, genitalia)That are changing or symptomaticThat have concerning dermoscopy features• Shave excision may be used for benign cosmetic removal (only if 100% confident it’s benign)📌 Complications• Rare transformation into malignant melanoma• Cosmetic distress, psychological burden• Trauma-related irritation, especially if located in friction areas📌 Prognosis• Excellent – most remain benign lifelong• Having many or atypical naevi increases melanoma risk• Long-term prognosis depends on early detection of change📎 More MSRA Resources for Melanocytic Naevus📝 Revision Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/melanocytic-naevus-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/melanocytic-naevus-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/melanocytic-naevus-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/melanocytic-naevus-rapid-quiz/🎯 Topic Quiz:https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/melanocytic-naevus/🎓 Full Course:https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/dermatology-for-the-msra/📣 Course MentionsThis episode is part of the Dermatology for the MSRA course on PassTheMSRA.com.Explore full revision guides, flashcards, quizzes and more at:👉 https://www.passthemsra.com#MSRA #MelanocyticNaevus #MSRARevision #MSRADermatology #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQuiz #ABCDEMelanoma #DermatologyForTheMSRA #PassTheMSRA #MSRAPodcast #MoleCheck #SkinLesions #FreeMSRARevision #MultiSpecialtyRecruitmentAssessment