Benign Melanocytic Proliferations and Melanocytic Naevi

Abstract Benign cutaneous melanocytic proliferations are by far the most common neoplasms in humans. Although benign, they often concern the patient due to aesthetic reasons or their association with other medical conditions. For dermatologists, melanocytic naevi are generally considered risk factors and occasionally simulants of melanoma, posing significant diagnostic and management issues in clinical practice. This chapter describes in a comprehensive way the spectrum of benign melanocytic lesions, their divergent clinical presentation and dermoscopic features, the underlying pathogenetic pathways, their histological features, their association with other diseases – particularly melanoma – and their current management.