Classification and prevalence of pigmented lesions in patients with total-body photographs at high risk of developing melanoma.

Background: The classification of many pigmented lesions is not well defined, and an association with melanoma has not been established.

Objective: To better define the spectrum of pigmented lesions (excluding common and dysplastic nevi) and explore links to melanoma.

Methods: Retrospective review of patients with total-body digital photographs at high risk of developing melanoma from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Dermatology Service.

Results: Among 598 patients, 7.7% had café au lait spots, 2.8% had nevi spilus, 2.3% had congenital nevus-like nevi, 2% had "other" lesions, 1.2% had segmental speckled lentiginous nevi, and 1% had agminated nevi. There was no statistical difference in the prevalence rates of these pigmented lesions in patients with or without a history of melanoma or >or= 100 nevi.

Conclusions: A wide range of pigmented lesions require further classification and study to explore possible links to melanoma.