Eruptive melanocytic nevi induced by interferon for nodal metastatic melanoma: case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND

The rapid appearance of multiple new melanocytic nevi is known as eruptive nevi and has been well documented to occur with certain medications, in particular chemotherapeutic agents.

METHODS

We report a case of a woman with melanoma complicated by nodal metastasis who developed multiple melanocytic nevi while on high-dose interferon.

RESULTS

Serial photographs confirmed that the pigmented lesions were of new onset, whereas histology documented that the lesions were dysplastic nevi. A survey of the literature documented numerous causes of eruptive nevi, which we review. To date, interferon has not been linked to eruptive nevi.

CONCLUSIONS

The phenomenon of eruptive nevi has been attributed to medications, bullous dermatoses, immunosuppression, and systemic conditions and is possibly a paraneoplastic disorder. Interferon appears to be another possible cause of this disorder.