ABSTRACT
Melanocytic nevi are benign melanocytic tumors characterized by a very high incidence in the population, especially in Caucasians. Several classifications of nevi have been proposed according to the time of appearance, the histopathologic distribution, or the origin of the stem melanocyte. The dermatoscopic pattern of nevi depends on several factors, including the histopathologic type, the morphological characteristics of the melanocytes and the anatomical site. Four predominant dermatoscopic nevus patterns exist: reticular, globular, starburst, and homogeneous or diffuse. The benign nature of nevi is usually reflected also morphologically, meaning that most nevi are clinically and dermatoscopically symmetric. The dermatoscopic colors and structures are combined in an organized way, which results in a morphological order. The reticular pattern consists of intersecting brown lines that form a pigment network. Histopathologically, the reticular pattern corresponds to the presence of continuous pigmentation along the dermo-epidermal junction, combined with a normal papillomatosis.
