A blue nevus is a harmless kind of mole that can look like a blue-colored clump on your skin. Some people are born with it, while others develop it over time. Healthcare providers call greater than one blue nevus ‘blue nevi.’
There are various kinds of blue nevi. Most are harmless and won’t change over your lifetime. However, in rare cases, a type called cellular blue nevus could turn into melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
Symptoms
Blue nevi, also known as blue moles, can appear in various forms on the skin. A common blue nevus typically presents as a smooth, circle, or oval-shaped mole, often gray or blue, though it can sometimes have a yellowish-brown tint. These moles are usually small, with a diameter ranging from 1 to 5 millimeters. They can be flat or slightly raised.
In contrast, cellular blue nevi differ in appearance from common blue nevi. They are more likely to appear raised and can be larger, ranging from about 1 to 3 centimeters in diameter. Unlike typical blue nevi, cellular blue nevi have a rare chance of becoming cancerous.
It is typically appear as solitary moles, meaning they are unlikely to occur in clusters on the skin. They can emerge in any place on the body, however they are most commonly found on the face, feet, scalp, neck, hands, and buttocks. The location and appearance of a blue nevus depend on its specific type.
Various kinds of blue nevi exist, each with distinct characteristics and locations on the body. These types include common blue nevi, subungual blue nevi (under the fingernails or toenails), combined blue nevi, cellular blue nevi, amelanotic blue nevi (lacking pigment), epithelioid nevi, and desmoplastic blue nevi. Each type can vary in presentation and potential implications for health.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing a blue nevus usually doesn’t need special tests. However, it’s important to regularly see your skin for any changes in the mole that could be early symptoms of cancer.
Normally, a healthcare provider can determine a blue nevus just by looking at it closely. They might use a dermatoscope, a tool that magnifies and lights up the skin, to get a better view and confirm it’s a blue nevus. If more proof is needed, the healthcare provider might decide to remove the mole through a small surgery called an excision biopsy. This allows them to examine the tissue more closely in a lab.
Removal
Most frequent blue nevi are harmless and last unchanged over a person’s lifetime, causing no complications.
However, in rare cases, a cellular blue nevus can transform into a kind of skin cancer termed cancerous cellular blue nevus. Because of this risk, a healthcare provider might recommend ruling out a blue nevus if it shows signs such as modifying shape, getting larger, exceeding 1 cm in size, or being located on the scalp.
Some individuals may opt to have a blue nevus eliminated for cosmetic causes. It’s important to note that cosmetic procedures may not be covered by insurance, so it’s advisable to check with your insurance provider beforehand.
When to consult a healthcare provider
It’s important to see a healthcare provider if you notice any of the following concerning signs related to a blue nevus:
- A new blue nevus suddenly appears on your skin.
- Already appeared blue nevus changes in color, shape, and size.
- The blue nevus grows larger than 1 cm.
- The blue nevus becomes painful, and itchy, and starts oozing, or bleeds.
In addition to seeking medical attention for these symptoms, it’s also suggested to regularly check your own skin. According to the American Cancer Society, it’s advised to examine your skin one time a month. If you discover anything unusual or concerning during these self-examinations, don’t hesitate to discuss your findings with your doctor promptly. Early detection and evaluation can be crucial in managing any potential skin health issues.
Causes and risks
The exact cause of a blue nevus is not fully understood. It appears that particular cells stay close to the skin’s surface, leading to the formation of a bluish mole.
While anyone can grow a blue nevus, they tend to occur more often in women than men. They are also more common among Asian populations.
Several blue nevi are harmless, however, there is a small risk that a kind called cellular blue nevus could turn into melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
Other Conditions that resemble blue nevus
When someone consults a healthcare provider about a blue nevus, the healthcare provider will assess its features and consider other conditions that may resemble it. These include melanoma, which is a serious form of skin cancer, as well as dermatofibroma, a benign skin growth. Another condition to compare it against is a combined nevus, which is a mole made up of different types of cells.
In addition, the healthcare provider will evaluate if the appearance could be due to a traumatic tattoo or cutaneous metastasis, which refers to cancer that has spread from other parts of the body to the skin. Kaposi’s sarcoma, a cancer often linked with HIV/AIDS, and vascular lesions like venous lakes are also among the conditions the healthcare provider will consider during their assessment. Each of these conditions has distinct characteristics that help in differentiating them from a blue nevus.
Outlook
A blue nevus is a tiny, blue-colored mole that usually remains on a person’s skin for their whole life. Typically, no treatment is needed, though it can be removed with surgery if desired.
In uncommon situations, it might turn into melanoma, a kind of skin cancer. If a healthcare provider thinks a blue nevus could become malignant, they might suggest eliminating it.
Some individuals choose to remove a blue nevus for cosmetic causes. Having a blue nevus typically doesn’t cause complications or symptoms.
Summary
A blue nevus is a benign, bluish-colored mole that often persists throughout life without causing symptoms or complications. While typically harmless, rare cases may see it transform into melanoma, prompting surgical removal if suspected of cancerous changes.
Its appearance varies, from small and flat to raised and larger, with types like cellular blue nevi posing higher risks. Regular skin checks are advised, especially if changes in size, shape, or color occur. Removal might also be considered for cosmetic reasons, though insurance coverage should be verified beforehand. Understanding these aspects helps manage and potentially prevent complications associated with blue nevi.
