Family study of atypical nevi with investigation of heparin sulfate proteoglycan

Abstract

Background. The epidemiology of atypical nevi (AN) is currently obscure; however the diagnosis must be made early in order to follow these individuals and treat any melanomas that may arise at an early stage, thus preventing premature death. Materials and Methods. Following the guidelines of the NIH on clinical and histologic features of ANS, 38 adult members in 8 families were investigated. Twenty-seven were physically examined and 25 biopsied. Biopsies from ANS and junctional nevi from unrelated persons were also stained with antibodies against heparan sulfate proteogly-can (HSPG). Results. At least 21 of 38 members had ANS. Staining with HSPG antibodies did not differentiate between ANS and benign junctional nevi, all showing slightly irregular staining. In seven of eight families, two or more family members were affected by ANS. Conclusions. Although it is not known whether or not HSPG plays a role in melanomas becoming invasive, or the potential of melanoma developing in ANS there were no differentiating features of staining in ANS, and junctional nevi to help in the differential-diagnosis of the two.