MELANOCYTIC NEVI IN TURNER SYNDROME

One morphologic feature of Turner syndrome is increased numbers of mel anocytic nevi; however, little attention has been given to their chara cterization. The development of a melanoma in one of our patients with Turner syndrome prompted this study. We prospectively examined 10 pat ients with the disease, confirmed by karyotype. All patients underwent full body skin examination noting the number, size, distribution, and degree of clinical atypia of melanocytic nevi. Representative and unu sual lesions were photographed. An average of 115 nevi were seen, with the majority measuring 1 to 5 mm. Most were located on the back and e xtremities. Clinical atypia was uncommon. Our patients had larger numb ers of benign-appearing nevi than the general population. Large number s of melanocytic nevi is a risk factor for melanoma, suggesting that t hese patients have an increase in one risk factor. Longitudinal studie s are indicated to clarify this issue; nevertheless, we recommend peri odic skin examinations and the regular use of sunscreens for individua ls with Turner syndrome.