The Combined
Nevus.
A combination of two types of mole
Combined nevus
A type of mole of which there are many different types.
The Combined
What is a combined nevus?
If you have a combined nevus, you may think it looks a little strange. This benign mole is a blue nevus combined with a normal brown mole (nevus), and is made up of these two different types of cells.
Your combined nevus may look like two moles in one – with the blue nevus and the brown nevus.
Who gets them?
As with most moles, anyone can have a combined nevus. However, this doesn’t mean you can ignore these moles. They can look a lot like melanoma, so make sure your doctor checks them out as soon as possible.
What does a combined nevus look like?
The Combined Nevus to the Naked Eye
Combined moles are fairly distinctive, and chances are that you know if you have one. Some of their common features include:
- A large size
- Borders that can be irregular
- Brown part and blue part
Some signs that your combined mole may be dangerous include:
- An off-centre blue mole
- Your doctor sees a problem with the lesion during an exam
- You’re over 40 and it’s a newly grown mole
In these cases, your doctor will probably have to perform a biopsy.
Gallery of combined nevus
Please click on the images for details.
What’s the significance?
What is the significance of a combined nevus?
A combined nevus is usually harmless. However, they can look a lot like melanoma. If you’re concerned, make sure that you see a trained and experienced skin doctor. They will be able to make a more accurate diagnosis of this mole with a skin exam and you may be able to skip having a biopsy.
When you get your combined mole assessed, the outcome will be one of three:
- It’s definitely a combined nevus and there’s no need to worry or monitor. This is almost always the case in children.
- It’s almost certainly a combined nevus, take a photograph and monitor it to be sure
- It might well be a melanoma and a biopsy is required
When is a biopsy required?
While these moles are harmless, the possibility of melanoma is in the back of your mind.
Biopsy is required when a combined mole has any feature of melanoma. For example, if you have a mole with an off-centre blue area or dermoscopic chaos in the lesion, or are an adult over 40 who suddenly grows this type of mole, then a biopsy may be needed.
Always consult with your doctor for accurate medical advice.
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