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

• Benign Nevus Inclusion (BNI) in Lymph Nodes
• Capsular Nevus
• Lymph Nodes with Nevus Cell Inclusion

What is Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes? (Definition/Background Information)

• Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes is a collection of benign nevus cells (melanocytes) in a lymph node. The presence of such melanocytes in lymph node raises the concern of a metastatic malignant melanoma (a type of skin cancer)
• However, the presence of nevus cells in the lymph node is a benign process. A pathologist should be aware of such a diagnosis, otherwise it might result in a misdiagnosis of metastatic melanoma
• Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes is an uncommon condition. It is believed to arise from abnormal tissue during fetal growth and development
• There are no significant signs and symptoms or complications associated with Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes. Due to this, generally there is no necessity to treat the condition
• Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes has no clinical significance and so the prognosis is typically excellent

Who gets Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes? (Age and Sex Distribution)

Nevus Cell Inclusions in Lymph Nodes are discovered incidentally, while the lymph nodes are being examined for other health conditions.

• This condition may occur at any age and there is no specific preference for any gender (both males and females are affected)
• All racial and ethnic groups are affected and no predilection is observed

What are the Risk Factors for Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes include:

• Presence of multiple congenital nevi (or common moles)
• Individuals with blue nevus

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s 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 Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes is currently unknown
• The presence of nevus cells (melanocytes) in a lymph node are thought to arise from abnormal tissue development during fetal growth

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes?

No significant signs and symptoms are associated with Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes.

• Benign nevus inclusions (BNI) are usually found in peripheral lymph nodes compared to lymph nodes present deep in the body
• Common lymph nodes where nevus cell inclusions are found include the axillary, cervical, and inguinal lymph nodes
• This condition does not cause the enlargement of lymph nodes

How is Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes is made during lymph node examination under a microscope by the pathologist.

• A lymph node 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
• Special immunohistochemical studies are helpful in confirming the diagnosis.
• When a pathologist examines these cell inclusions under a microscope, they are very bland in appearance and do not show any malignancy

Note: Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes is usually detected during a lymph node biopsy, either while evaluating for a metastatic melanoma, or a lymph node biopsy undertaken for a completely different reason, such as an enlarged lymph node.

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 Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes?

• There are no complications associated with Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes
• However, a misdiagnosis of melanoma can cause severe emotional stress and may lead to additional testing and unnecessary treatment

How is Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes Treated?

No specific treatment is necessary for Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes, since the condition is not associated with any signs and symptoms.

How can Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes be Prevented?

Currently, there are no definitive methods available to prevent the occurrence of Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes.

What is the Prognosis of Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes is a benign condition which occurs infrequently. It has no clinical significance, and consequently, the prognosis is excellent.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes:

• The stains used in the study of Nevus Cell Inclusion in Lymph Nodes may include S100 and MART-1

When examined under a microscope, these benign melanocytes do not show any mitosis