What does an eye nevus look like?

An eye freckle is very similar to a mole on your skin or a freckle. And similar to both moles and freckles, a nevus can be brown, yellow or gray. Cells called melanocytes produce melanin, which gives color to your skin and to your eyes, and when these cells lump together, an eye freckle is the result.

What causes a nevus in the eye?

They’re made by special cells called melanocytes, which give your skin and your eyes their color. Those cells are usually spread out, but if enough of them clump together, they form a nevus. The other type of eye freckles are called iris freckles.

How do you get rid of an eye nevus?

If a nevus does need to be removed due to any complications, melanoma, or suspicion of melanoma, this is done with surgery. Depending on the individual situation, local excision (using a very small blade) or argon laser photoablation (using a laser to remove tissue) are possible options.

Can an eye nevus turn into melanoma?

The most common “choroidal nevus” or eye nevus are unusual and can only be seen by an eye care specialist. Like a nevus on the skin, a choroidal nevus can grow into a malignant melanoma. A choroidal nevus rarely requires treatment.

Can a nevus appear suddenly?

Moles, or nevi, typically form during childhood and adolescence, but new moles can appear in adulthood. Although most moles are noncancerous, or benign, the development of a new mole or sudden changes to existing moles in an adult can be a sign of melanoma.

Can a nevus be malignant?

No. A dysplastic nevus is more likely than a common mole to become cancer, but most do not become cancer.

Is a nevus cancerous?

A benign (not cancer) growth on the skin that is formed by a cluster of melanocytes (cells that make a substance called melanin, which gives color to skin and eyes). A nevus is usually dark and may be raised from the skin. Also called mole.

Can a nevus be removed?

Is Removal Possible? Small nevi can be removed by simple surgical excision. The nevus is cut out, and the adjacent skin stitched together leaving a small scar. Removal of a large congenital nevus, however, requires replacement of the affected skin.

What is a suspicious nevus?

Features of the nevus can be very helpful to predict the risk of growth. These features include: the size and thickness, the presence of orange pigment, fluid leakage over the surface of the nevus, presence of drusen, and location within the eye. Larger and thicker nevi are commonly referred to as a suspicious nevus.

Should I worry about a choroidal nevus?

Most choroidal nevi remain benign and cause no problems. Just like freckles and moles on your skin, a choroidal nevus can rarely grow into a malignant melanoma. About one in five thousand nevi grows into a melanoma.