Nevi Are a Risk Factor for Basal Cell Carcinoma

Patients with multiple nevi have probably had considerable sun or tanning bed exposure and should be examined for BCC.

Nevi are a risk factor for melanoma, and the number in an individual grows with increasing ultraviolet radiation. Investigators asked whether the number of nevi might also forecast a predisposition to basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

The researchers recorded the number of nevi on the forearms and hands of volunteers from Queensland, Australia, in 1986, and the number on the backs of the same individuals in 1992. The subjects were followed prospectively for the development of new BCCs from 1992 through 2007. A total of 1339 individuals were evaluated for the duration of the study or until they died. In all, 1202 histologically confirmed BCCs were diagnosed in 401 subjects. Patients with nevi on the forearms and hands were more likely to develop BC…

Reviewing Author

Craig A. Elmets, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals

EquityVaxin

Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.

Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)