Activation of nevi in patients with malignant melanoma

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Abstract
Activation of melanocytic nevi from patients with malignant melanoma is documented microscopically. Features of activation include marked junctional activity, lack of lateral margination of junctional melanocytic activity, and‐to a lesser degree‐increased pigment production, inflammation, mitotic activity, and cytologic atypia. The changes are most pronounced in nevi from the same lymph drainage region as the malignant melanoma, suggesting a local activating factor. The presence of marked junctional activity in these lesions and the occurrence of these changes in nevi of patients with clinical Stage I malignant melanomas provide evidence that these lesions do not represent metastases.