Blue nevus, is a especial type of melanocytic nevus. It is blue in color as its melanocytes are deeply pointed in the skin. The blue nevus is a version of a common mole. It is constituted of melanocytes, the cells which produce the melanin pigment, which have a spindled to epithelioid appearance. The nevus cells are spindle shaped and dispersed in deep layers of the dermis. The covering epidermis is normal.
The blue color is caused by large, dopeyely packed melanocytes deep in the dermis of the nevus. In children, they usually happen on the buttocks and lumbosacral region and are referred to as cellular blue nevi. malignant blue nevi are more commonly found on the scalp. Blue nevi are offish papules 2 mm to 1 cm in diameter or, less commonly, plaques, with a bluish color.
The blue color is secondary to the deep deployment of the melanocytes in the skin. Blue nevi are common in Asians and may be present in young children, teenagers and adults. Blue nevi are twice as often in women than in men. Blue nevi last benign in most cases no matter how long individuals have symptoms.
There have been sporadic cases that are identified as malignant melanoma but they are usually linked to cellular blue nevi rather than the common blue nevi. The shape of blue nevi can be different on different people. Normally it is round or oval. But it can be of various shapes too. Treatment of Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus mainly involves surgical removal of the hemangioma. Carbon dioxide laser surgery is adviced for removal of external hemangiomas.
Removal of internal hemangiomas normally requires conventional surgery. For a solitary lesion, simple removal is usually curative. Surgical resection may be subscribed to treat growths in the gastrointestinal tract. Genetic counseling may be of advantage for patients and their families.
Other treatment is symptomatic and ancillary. Blue nevi can also become cancerous when spurred by over exposure to UV rays. Wearing anti-sun protection is recommended particularly between 10 AM to 4 PM and when the sun is at its strongest. Sunscreens, hats, umbrellas and wearing proper clothing could help lower the sun damage and the risk of melanoma. Blue nevi are usually excised, as there may be an increased chance of melanoma.