Mayo Clinic Care Network Content
Definitions

Melanocytic nevus


Overview

A melanocytic nevus is a noncancerous mole (skin lesion). This type of mole is caused by a disorder involving melanocytes, cells that produce pigment (melanin).

Symptoms

Melanocytic nevi can be rough, flat, or raised. They can exist at birth or appear later. Rarely, melanocytic nevi can become cancerous.