Complications
Should a patient require a biopsy or removal of a lesion, skin procedures are generally well tolerated, with a small risk of bleeding, infection (usually <1%), hematoma, and nerve damage (usually sensory, rarely motor).[5] The risk is relatively greater for excised lesions. Allergy to local anesthetic is rare, especially with the amide local anesthetics such as lidocaine (vs. ester local anesthetics). Any pain is usually minimal and easily managed with acetaminophen. There is a small risk of allergic or irritant reaction to topical antibiotics and tape adhesives, which may be reduced with the use of petroleum jelly and paper tape. The scar formed by the procedure may hypertrophy or become a keloid, and depending on location may be cosmetically or functionally undesirable.
Depending on the location of the nevus, it may be prone to repetitive trauma from clothing or a hairbrush.
Some melanocytic nevi are misdiagnosed as melanoma and vice versa, as it can be difficult at times to distinguish benign from malignant melanocytic lesions. This is especially true of dysplastic nevi and Spitz nevi, which histologically can mimic melanoma. A trained dermatopathologist who is familiar with such subtleties should be consulted to ensure appropriate patient care.
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