What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Genital Naevus
• GN (Genital Nevus)

What is Genital Nevus? (Definition/Background Information)

• A nevus (plural nevi) is a mole on the skin that can occur on any part of the body. A melanocytic nevus is a benign tumor of melanocytic (pigment-forming) cells that occur on the skin
• A Genital Nevus (GN) is a benign condition that occurs as a pigmented skin lesion on the genitalia and in the region between the anus and the genitals (perineum). The lesion is usually a poorly-defined flat mole, less than 1 cm in size
• A majority of them arise during childhood and young adulthood. Genital Nevus is observed to occur spontaneously and the cause is largely unknown
• There are also no identified risk factors for the development of the tumor presently, though some scientists believe that the lesion may develop from chronic injury to the skin or from unstable moles
• They do not present any significant complications, but may rarely cause cosmetic concerns in some individuals. Unlike a common mole that may disappear over decades, Genital Nevus is not known to disappear with time
• Treatment is generally not required for a Genital Nevus, unless it presents cosmetic issues or is considered to possibly represent melanoma. The prognosis is generally excellent even if no treatment is provided, since these skin lesions are benign

Who gets Genital Nevus? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Genital Nevus can occur at any age, but is generally noticed in adult men and women
• Both males and females are affected and there is no gender bias observed
• All racial and ethnic groups are at risk
• Pigmented lesions on the genitalia are common, but not all are Genital Nevi. Some studies have determined  that about 2% of women may present with such lesions

What are the Risk Factors for Genital Nevus? (Predisposing Factors)

Currently, there are no clearly-established risk factors for Genital Nevus formation. However, the following may be possible risk factors:

• Some studies indicate repeated injury to the region involving superficial skin
• Hormonal influence (sex hormones)
• One’s genetic make-up
• The type of tissue stroma in the region of the nevus

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Genital Nevus? (Etiology)

The cause of Genital Nevus formation is currently unknown. Some research scientists believe that the following factors may contribute towards its formation:

• Chronic trauma to the skin of the genital region
• Fluctuating sex hormones, and their influence on skin sites responsive to sex hormones
• Genetic factors

It is important to note that Genital Nevus is not a sexually-transmitted infection, and it does not spread from one individual to another by direct contact.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Genital Nevus?

The signs and symptoms of Genital Nevus may include the following:

• The presence of a benign, uniformly pigmented skin lesion; the color of the lesion is usually deep tan or dark brown
• The lesions may be regular in shape with defined borders
• The skin lesions appear as bumps (dome-shaped) and are less than 10 mm in size; the size may range from 2 mm to about 2.5 cm
• Some dysplastic GN are shaped like polyps; some are flat like papulesGenital Nevus occurs mostly on the perineal region and around the vaginal opening (in women). However, they may be present anywhere on the genitals

How is Genital Nevus Diagnosed?

A Genital Nevus is diagnosed through the following tools:

• Complete physical examination with evaluation of medical history
• Dermoscopy: It is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
• Skin biopsy: A skin biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Genital Nevus?

There are frequently no complications that arise from a Genital Nevus. Nevertheless, in some individuals, it may give rise to cosmetic concerns.

How is Genital Nevus Treated?

The treatment measures for Genital Nevus include:

• The healthcare provider may choose to regularly observe the benign tumor; a “wait and watch” approach may be followed, once a diagnosis of Genital Nevus is established. In such cases, no treatment is generally required
• If required, a surgical excision and complete removal of the nodule, primarily to address concerns of the physician or patient about the possibility of melanoma, or for cosmetic reasons
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are encouraged

How can Genital Nevus be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a method of preventing the occurrence of Genital Nevus.

What is the Prognosis of Genital Nevus? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Genital Nevus is excellent on its complete excision and removal
• Since, these are benign tumors, the prognosis is generally excellent even if only periodic observation is maintained

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Genital Nevus:

• There is no evidence to prove that the tumor formation is influenced by one’s dietary choices
• Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the skin condition. Care must be taken avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially worsen the condition
• The presence of dirt on the body is not a causative factor for the condition. However, it helps to be clean and hygienic, which may help the condition from getting worse