Dermoscopy for melanocytic nevi (Nurse)

Unit 1 – Types of Acquired Melanocytic Nevi This unit introduces the biology and behaviour of melanocytic lesions and explains the differences between melanocytes and nevocytes. Participants learn how acquired nevi develop, the influence of genetics and UV exposure, and why distinguishing benign nevi from melanoma is essential to avoid unnecessary excisions. The unit describes junctional, dermal and compound nevi, along with blue, Spitz, Reed and halo nevi, supported by detailed dermoscopic images and clinical examples.

Unit 2 – Dermoscopic Features of Acquired Melanocytic Nevi This unit explores key dermoscopic patterns including pigment network, globules, streaks and blue-white structures. Participants learn how these patterns correlate with underlying histology and how to recognise typical versus atypical features. The unit covers junctional, dermal and compound nevi in depth, explains the optical basis of colour changes, and highlights features that may mimic melanoma. Clinical videos and cases illustrate how pattern recognition supports confident diagnosis.

Unit 3 – Atypical Melanocytic Lesions This unit focuses on lesions that appear melanocytic but display asymmetry or atypical structures that make immediate diagnosis uncertain. Participants learn how to distinguish nevi from early melanoma using structure, symmetry and comparison with surrounding lesions. The unit explains when excision is appropriate and introduces the concept of short-term monitoring for unclear lesions. A practical case demonstrates how stability over time confirms benign behaviour.

Unit 4 – Monitoring Atypical Melanocytic Lesions This unit provides an evidence-based framework for short-term dermoscopic monitoring, including recommended time intervals, safety considerations and criteria for when monitoring is inappropriate. Participants learn how to document lesions, compare baseline with follow-up images, and identify significant changes suggestive of early melanoma. Real case examples demonstrate stability versus progression, while caution is emphasised for nodular, blue or rapidly changing lesions. The unit also clarifies the differences between short-term monitoring in low-risk patients and long-term surveillance in high-risk individuals.

Relevance to Nurses:

Nurses play an important role in skin cancer prevention, early detection and ongoing patient care. Developing knowledge and skills in skin assessment and melanography can support the recognition and monitoring of suspicious lesions, patient education and documentation, while contributing to collaborative care and timely management of patients with skin cancer concerns.

1. Distinguish the features of melanocytic naevi.
2. Detect melanocytic naevi and carry out appropriate action.
3. Judge dermoscopic patterns of melanoma.
4. Detect and diagnose dermoscopic structures for naevi or melanoma.
   
   

All nurses.