There are many varieties of skin lesions. They are unique in shape and size, have specific characteristics. Among the variety of skin neoplasms, nevuses are of greatest interest to doctors. These are small moles that can be found on any part of the body. They are not dangerous, do not require specific treatment, but give each person a certain peculiarity. Setton's nevus is different from a regular mole. What you need to know about this pathology?
a brief description of
Setton's nevus refers to a pigmented formation surrounded by patches of colorless skin. It is painless and rises slightly above the surface of the dermis. It is because of the presence of a specific rim that the neoplasm is also called halonevus. According to clinical observations, this pathology is found in about 1% of the world's inhabitants. It is not congenital, but appears in childhood or adolescence.
Causes of occurrence
Halonevus belongs to the category of melonomically dangerous pathologies, which distinguishes it from an ordinary mole or pigment spot. The development of the neoplasm requires constant monitoring, since at any time one can expect malignancy, i.e. malignancy. The exact causes of its occurrence have not been elucidated.
Some researchers suggest that excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the skin underlies the emergence of a pathology such as Setton's nevus. Vitiligo is another cause of a neoplasm. This is a genetic disease characterized by the absence of pigment in limited areas of the skin. The development of vitiligo with halonevus may be preceded by hormonal changes. There is also an opinion that the Setton spot is a kind of autoimmune reaction of the body. His followers believe that the appearance of a colorless border around the mole is due to the destruction of melanocytes by elements of the immune system. This theory is confirmed by studies in which cytotoxic antibodies were detected in the blood of patients.
Clinical manifestations
Setton's nevus development proceeds in two stages. First, an ordinary mole forms, and only after that a colorless rim is formed. In this form, Setton's nevus can remain for several years, then the stage of regression begins. The pigmented part is initially lost. The discolored rim disappears gradually, acquiring a hue of normal skin.
Visually, the nevus resembles a hemispherical formation with clear boundaries, which rises slightly above the surface of the skin. Its color can vary from light brown to almost black. Most often, the halonevuses are localized on the skin of the arms and trunk, less commonly on the face. In most cases, several Setton spots are observed simultaneously. The literature describes the case when the number of such moles on the patient's body exceeded 100 pieces.
Diagnostic Methods
The classical clinical picture of pigment formation and the staged nature of its development make it easy to make the correct diagnosis. It is much more difficult to recognize Setton's nevus, the photo of which is presented a little higher, against the background of vitiligo. In this case, an additional examination is required, including:
- Dermatoscopy Using hardware diagnostics, you can study the structure of a mole.
- Siascopy. This non-invasive examination method allows you to evaluate the distribution of melanin.
When is an additional consultation with a dermato-oncologist required? Some types of melanoma in their early stages have symptoms similar to Setton's. Therefore, in order to exclude the malignant nature of the neoplasm, a mole biopsy is performed with subsequent histological study of the material.
Methods of treatment and recommendations of doctors
Setton's nevus does not imply specific therapy. The patient is recommended to regularly visit a dermatologist and monitor the development of the neoplasm. It is necessary to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays. Before going out, you need to use special cosmetics. A thicker layer of cream should be applied to the nevus. Cosmetics must be selected with the maximum degree of protection. Sticking a patch on a mole is not worth it. The skin under it will sweat, which can lead to irritation. You can take sunbaths in the morning before 11 and in the evening after 17 hours. At this time, the sun is the least active. Doctors recommend refusing to visit a tanning bed.
If it is impossible to differentiate Setton's nevus from melanoma, an operation is prescribed. During the intervention, the surgeon excises the formation with the capture of healthy skin and discolored rim. After the operation, a cosmetic seam is applied to the damaged areas.
Is it necessary to treat Setton's nevus in a child?
If, after the diagnosis, the doctor confirms the good quality of education, specific therapy is not required. However, it is necessary to constantly monitor changes in the skin, and with a pronounced increase in nevus, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist.
In what other cases should a child be taken to a doctor?
- Changing the outlines of the pigment, blurring the boundaries of the neoplasm.
- The inflammatory process on the skin at the site of Setton's spot .
- Marked darkening of the nevus.
- The appearance of pain, itching, or irritation in the mole.
Given the above changes in the pathological process, after the diagnosis, the specialist will be able to choose treatment for the child.
Prognosis for patients
If you follow all the doctor's recommendations, use sunscreen cosmetics for the skin, the prognosis in most cases is favorable. Setton's nevus in a teenager or child usually regresses on its own. However, several years may pass from the moment of its inception to its complete disappearance. In medical practice, there have been no cases of degeneration of education into melanoma. Due to the similarity of symptoms of pathological processes, in order to exclude the malignant nature of the mole, it is necessary to undergo an examination.
Preventive measures
Is it possible to prevent the development of such a pathology as Setton's nevus? Removal of the neoplasm, despite all the painlessness and safety of the operation, scares many patients. Therefore, they are interested in the issue of prevention. There are no specific measures to prevent the pathological process, since the causes of its occurrence are not fully understood.
When halonevus appears on the skin, sunlight should be avoided. Ultraviolet exposure can adversely affect the mole itself and its rim, causing a burn. In addition, patients with a Setton stain should avoid stress. Strong emotional experiences often act as a trigger for initiating autoimmune reactions.