Dermoscopic changes in acquired melanocytic nevi during and after pregnancy– A Case-control Prospective Study

Our study aimed to describe the dermoscopic changes in acquired melanocytic nevi which can be attributed to physiological change related to pregnancy. In addition, we examine the persistence of these changes six months postpartum. Our study is strengthened in that in includes in two distinct populations—Brazil and Australia—each with different melanoma risk factors. We compared these changes to those observed in a control group of non-pregnant biological sisters, selected due to the shared genetic and environmental risk factors for melanoma, as evidenced by the similarity of baseline demographics and risk factors between cases and controls.
Our findings reveal that dermoscopic changes in acquired melanocytic nevi are more common during pregnancy than previously described. Futhermore changes occur irrespective of anatomic location. Significant differences were observed between the two populations studied, underscoring the impact of diverse melanoma risk factors and phototypes. The analysis of the control group further supports the role of pregnancy-specific factors in these dermoscopic changes, and assists to characterize the physiological changes in naevi associated with pregnancy
These insights have important clinical implications, as we propose changes in naevi which can be considered physiologic in pregnancy and aid the differentiation of naevi from melanoma. Given the controversy regarding prognosis of pregnancy associated melanoma, early diagnosis is crucial.