[Eruptive melanocytic nevi after chemotherapy]

Eruptive Melanocytic Nevi Induced by Interferon for Nodal Metastatic Melanoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background:

The rapid appearance of multiple new melanocytic nevi is known as eruptive nevi and has been well documented to occur with certain medications, in particular chemotherapeutic agents.

Methods:

We report a case of a woman with melanoma complicated by nodal metastasis who developed multiple melanocytic nevi while on high-dose interferon.

Results:

Serial photographs confirmed that the pigmented lesions were of new onset, whereas histology documented that the lesions were dysplastic nevi. A survey of the literature documented numerous causes of eruptive nevi, which we review. To date, interferon has not been linked to eruptive nevi.

Conclusions:

The phenomenon of eruptive nevi has been attributed to medications, bullous dermatoses, immunosuppression, and systemic conditions and is possibly a paraneoplastic disorder. Interferon appears to be another possible cause of this disorder.

[Acral eruptive nevi after chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

Eruptive melanocytic nevi have mainly been associated with blistering cutaneous diseases and with immunosuppression, particularly after renal allograft transplantation, hematological neoplasms, or HIV infection. Thus, immunosuppression has been suggested to increase the possibility of melanocyte proliferation. We report two cases of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who, after receiving chemotherapy, developed severe motor polyneuropathy, and sudden onset of multiple melanocytic nevi on the soles.

Nevos plantares múltiples posquimioterapia

The induction of multiple melanocytic nevi in children after chemotherapy has been documented in the literature. This situation apparently has more to do with the state of immunosuppression that is produced than with any specific agent used. We present the case of a 12-year-old girl who presented with multiple plantar melanocytic nevi after multidrug chemotherapy for acute lymphocytic leukemia. None of the lesions showed any alarming clinical signs. Although the degeneration of post-chemotherapy melanocytic nevi to melanoma has not been documented in any of the cases described, the presence of a high number of melanocytic nevi is an accepted risk factor for melanoma; thus, close clinical follow-up of these patients seems advisable.

Hautveränderungen unter Chemotherapie

Skin changes in cancer patients have many causes and are difficult to categorize. Chemotherapy-associated cutaneous side effects are usually toxic and often show a characteristic reaction pattern, offering diagnostic clues to the consulting dermatologist. Severe chemotherapy-associated reactions which require dose reduction, change or discontinuation of the cytostatic agents are rare. Most problems are reversible and self-limiting disease. The most common chemotherapy reactions are reviewed.

Acquired melanocytic nevi as risk factor for melanoma development. A comprehensive review of epidemiological data

Acquired melanocytic nevi (MN) in Caucasian populations are important markers for the risk of melanoma development. The total number of MN on the whole body is the most important independent risk factor for melanoma and the risk of melanoma development increases almost linearly with rising numbers of MN. Additionally, the presence of atypical MN and of actinic lentigines are likewise independent risk factors for melanoma. Atypical mole syndrome should be defined by the presence of many acquired MN and a threshold number of atypical MN. Acquired MN develops mainly during childhood and adolescence in the first two decades of life. The number of acquired nevi seems to be related to hereditary factors and nevus-prone families exist. The amount of sun exposure is the most important environmental risk factor for nevus development, particularly in early childhood. Interestingly, sunburns may play a role in nevus development, but seem not to be required, and even moderate sun exposure promotes the process. Therefore, preventive measures for nevus and melanoma development should target young children and adolescents.