Blue nevus - Oral Mucosal Lesion
See also in: Overview,Hair and ScalpAlerts and Notices
Synopsis

The blue nevus, also known as an acquired nevus, is a developmental lesion caused by aggregates of dendritic melanocytes that lie in the deep mucosa. The depth of the pigment creates a "Tyndall effect," which is what makes the melanin pigment appear blue. Although the literature reveals a 2:1 female predilection, this may be related to female patients seeking care more often and having more cosmetic concerns than male patients. It represents approximately one-fifth to one-fourth of all intraoral melanocytic nevi. Most nevi are noticed in the second to fourth decade of life and are usually asymptomatic.
Codes
ICD10CM:
D22.9 – Melanocytic nevi, unspecified
SNOMEDCT:
254806009 – Blue nevus of skin
D22.9 – Melanocytic nevi, unspecified
SNOMEDCT:
254806009 – Blue nevus of skin
Look For
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Amalgam tattoo may look identical.
- Graphite tattoo (from pencil lead) may look identical, and the palate is the most common location for this lesion.
- Melanotic macules are tan to brown rather than blue.
- A varix may look similar but tends to be more papular and will blanch on pressure.
- Lobular capillary hemangioma (pyogenic granuloma) tends to be a nodule or papule and is superficially located.
- Kaposi sarcoma in its very early stage may appear macular or papular, but they rapidly progress to a nodular stage.
- Melanoma tends to be larger and irregularly pigmented.
- Melanoacanthoma
- Mucocele
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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References
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Last Updated:12/06/2021

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Blue nevus - Oral Mucosal Lesion
See also in: Overview,Hair and Scalp