["Dying nevus" or regressing melanoma]

Epidemiological studies suggest that the number of acquired melanocytic nevi increases from puberty until midlife and, thereafter, decreases. The latter phenomenon is related to spontaneous involution/apoptosis of nevi. The widespread use of dermoscopy has enriched profoundly our knowledge of the morphological variability of nevi during their evolution. A peripheral symmetric rim of small grown globules represents a clear sign of nevus growth. Instead, nevi in adults often reveal a reticular or reticular-mixed pattern. In patients aged 30 to 40 years clinically vanishing nevi can be noticed, which represent nevi during involution. The important differential diagnoses are melanocytic nevi and melanoma with regression. The life cycle of a nevus is also reflected by the phrase" we are born and we die without nevi".