A 32-year-old woman complains that an asymptomatic mole on her back looks alarming to her spouse. There is neither a personal nor family history of melanoma, and remainder of her cutaneous examination is unremarkable.
Key point: There are some nevi with odd-appearing morphologies but well-recognized benign courses. One of those is the so-called “fried egg” nevus, as depicted in this case. No treatment is indicated, especially if removal will result in substantial scar formation.
Treatment: Reassurance was given. As the lesion was located near the shoulder, a notorious site for scarring following excision, the patient opted for observation.
Note: Eccentric placement of a dark spot in an otherwise bland-appearing nevus is reason for concern, biopsy or removal. The “fried egg” morphology is invoked only when the dark spot is at or very nearly dead center, much like a “sunny-side up” cooked egg.
