Utility of Clinical and Dermoscopic Study of Cutaneous Nevi

Abstract Background: Dermoscopy is a noninvasive diagnostic tool that enhances the visualization of subsurface skin structures, enabling the differentiation of various types of nevi. Aims and Objectives: To assess the clinical features and dermoscopic patterns of cutaneous nevi. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 100 patients presenting with nevi at a tertiary care dermatology outpatient clinic over 21 months. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and lesions were examined using a polarized, noncontact dermoscope (ILLUCO IDS-1100) connected to a smartphone. Dermoscopic images were analyzed for pattern types. Results: Participants ranged in age from 1 to 70 years (mean age 32.8 ± 14.3), with females making up 59% of the sample. The most common site of lesions was the cheek, followed by the back and chin. Compound melanocytic nevi were the most prevalent (57%), followed by junctional melanocytic nevi (14%), congenital melanocytic nevi (6%), and intradermal melanocytic nevi (6%). Less common types included Becker’s nevus, linear verrucous epidermal nevus, nevus depigmentosus, and port-wine stains. Dermoscopic analysis showed homogeneous patterns in 61% of cases, globular in 22%, reticular in 5%, cobblestone in 3%, structureless in 3%, papillary in 2%, blotchy in 2%, and dot patterns in 1%. Follicular openings were observed in 65% of lesions. Dermoscopic patterns varied according to the type of nevus. Conclusion: Dermoscopy facilitates rapid pattern recognition and enhances the accuracy of nevi classification. Additional large-scale, multicenter studies with histopathological correlation are recommended to confirm these findings.