Clark's Nevus - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Clark's Nevus is basically a skin disease typical to youth, but Clark's Nevus may occur to the people at any age. It is regarded as the most difficult and controversial disease to diagnose of the melancocytic lesions. It is believed to be a precursor of malignant melanoma. It is a common type of skin disorder which can be dangerous. Many experts believe that Clark`s Nevus is at a higher risk of converting into melanoma as compared to normal moles. Patients suffering from Clark`s Nevus must get their skin examined every year. Clark`s nevus is the name given to lesions that have been referred to in the in the past as dysplastic nevi or nevi with architectural or cytologic atypia. It is an acquired mole which appears as solitary or multiple lesions. People suffering from Clark`s Nevus have an increased lifetime risk of developing melanoma. This disease is found in around four percent of the white population in the United States . Families which have a history of Clark`s Nevus must be observed closely as they are at a high risk of developing melanoma.

A halo nevus is a mole that is pink or brown surrounded by an area of white or light skin. It looks like a bull's-eye. Atypical moles also referred to as Clark's nevi or dysplastic nevi are moles that are considered to be precancerous or more likely to turn into melanoma than regular moles. When looking at an atypical mole on the skin, one will see some of the features that one sees when looking at melanoma such as: an irregular border, slight variation in color, or asymmetry (if you cut the mole in half, the two halves do not look the same). When a pathologist looks at an atypical mole under the microscope, it has features that are in-between a normal mole and a melanoma.

Causes of Clark's Nevus

Find common causes and risk factors of Clark's Nevus

• The cause of the Clark's Nevus is exposing the skin to sunlight.
• Inheritance or family history .

Signs and Symptoms of Clark's Nevus

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

• Colored in varying shades of tan and brown.

Treatment for Clark's Nevus

The chief diagnostic consideration in patients with clark's nevi is melanoma that is undergoing regression, although making this distinction is not usually difficult. Patients should be taught self-examination to detect changes in existing moles and to recognize clinical features of melanomas. Normally, no treatment is required. Atypical moles should be removed immediately if they are changing color, shape or size over a period of weeks to months.

Treatment may include:

• Use sunscreen daily on epxposed skin areas.
• The only safe way to remove an atypical mole is to have it cut out . The specimen is then sent to the pathologist to be analyzed under the microscope. Removing an atypical mole leaves a permanent scar.
• People at higher risk for melanoma should minimize exposure to other risk factors associated with melanoma.
• Wear a broad-brimmed hat when outdoors.
• Atypical moles should be removed immediately if they are changing color, shape or size over a period of weeks to months. These moles should also be removed immediately if they bleed or itch. These signs all suggest that an atypical mole may have turned into a melanoma.