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The FP recognized this to be a nevus spilus (speckled nevus).
He explained that this was a benign nevus and that no treatment was indicated—especially because the only effective treatment would be deep excision down to the subcutaneous fat layer (requiring a graft for closure). The patient probably wouldn’t like the cosmetic result and the risks of this surgery (pain, infection, graft not taking) are not acceptable for this condition. Also, the procedure would not be covered by insurance, as this would be considered cosmetic surgery.
The physician explained that in the unlikely event of significant changes in the nevus, she should seek further evaluation. The patient understood the reality of the situation and thanked the doctor for explaining the diagnosis to her. She was reassured that this was benign.
Photos and text for Photo Rounds Friday courtesy of Richard P. Usatine, MD. This case was adapted from: Smith M, Usatine R. Benign nevi. In: Usatine R, Smith M, Mayeaux EJ, et al. Color Atlas of Family Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2013:945-952.
To learn more about the Color Atlas of Family Medicine, see: www.amazon.com/Color-Family-Medicine-Richard-Usatine/dp/0071769641/.
You can now get the second edition of the Color Atlas of Family Medicine as an app by clicking on this link: usatinemedia.com.
The FP recognized this to be a nevus spilus (speckled nevus).
He explained that this was a benign nevus and that no treatment was indicated—especially because the only effective treatment would be deep excision down to the subcutaneous fat layer (requiring a graft for closure). The patient probably wouldn’t like the cosmetic result and the risks of this surgery (pain, infection, graft not taking) are not acceptable for this condition. Also, the procedure would not be covered by insurance, as this would be considered cosmetic surgery.
The physician explained that in the unlikely event of significant changes in the nevus, she should seek further evaluation. The patient understood the reality of the situation and thanked the doctor for explaining the diagnosis to her. She was reassured that this was benign.
Photos and text for Photo Rounds Friday courtesy of Richard P. Usatine, MD. This case was adapted from: Smith M, Usatine R. Benign nevi. In: Usatine R, Smith M, Mayeaux EJ, et al. Color Atlas of Family Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2013:945-952.
To learn more about the Color Atlas of Family Medicine, see: www.amazon.com/Color-Family-Medicine-Richard-Usatine/dp/0071769641/.
You can now get the second edition of the Color Atlas of Family Medicine as an app by clicking on this link: usatinemedia.com.
The FP recognized this to be a nevus spilus (speckled nevus).
He explained that this was a benign nevus and that no treatment was indicated—especially because the only effective treatment would be deep excision down to the subcutaneous fat layer (requiring a graft for closure). The patient probably wouldn’t like the cosmetic result and the risks of this surgery (pain, infection, graft not taking) are not acceptable for this condition. Also, the procedure would not be covered by insurance, as this would be considered cosmetic surgery.
The physician explained that in the unlikely event of significant changes in the nevus, she should seek further evaluation. The patient understood the reality of the situation and thanked the doctor for explaining the diagnosis to her. She was reassured that this was benign.
Photos and text for Photo Rounds Friday courtesy of Richard P. Usatine, MD. This case was adapted from: Smith M, Usatine R. Benign nevi. In: Usatine R, Smith M, Mayeaux EJ, et al. Color Atlas of Family Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2013:945-952.
To learn more about the Color Atlas of Family Medicine, see: www.amazon.com/Color-Family-Medicine-Richard-Usatine/dp/0071769641/.
You can now get the second edition of the Color Atlas of Family Medicine as an app by clicking on this link: usatinemedia.com.
