EXCESS BENIGN MELANOCYTIC NEVI IN RENAL-TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS

Background: Some studies indicate that malignant melanoma occurs more frequently in renal transplant recipients than in the normal populatio n, The development of excess benign melanocytic naevi is regarded as a n indicator of the risk for malignant melanoma. Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of benign melanocytic naevi in adult renal transplant patients. Method: All benign melanocytic nae vi irrespective of size were counted in 76 patients with renal transpl ants and were compared to naevus counts in 55 sex-and age-matched heal thy controls. Results: The mean total number of benign melanocytic nae vi was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in renal transplant patients t han in the control group: 93.6 +/- 52.2 and 36.1 +/- 29.9, respectivel y. The most evident increase occurred on the palms/soles and back/butt ocks, A positive, although not significant, con-elation between naevus counts and duration of immunosuppression was found. Conclusion: Renal transplant recipients have an increased number of benign melanocytic naevi and should be considered as a risk group for malignant melanoma.