Management of pigmented skin lesions during pregnancy

Abstract

Background: As a result of the rapidly changing hormonal milieu, changing or newly discovered pigmented skin lesions during pregnancy can be diagnostically challenging. It is important for GPs to be aware of the effect of gestational changes on pigment production and features that should raise concern.

Objective: The aim of this article is to provide an understanding of common changes that may occur in pigmented lesions during pregnancy, features that are of concern and the management of suspected melanoma in pregnant women.

Discussion: In pregnant women, changing naevi should be evaluated using conventional ABCDE melanoma diagnostic criteria, and suspicious lesions should not be attributed solely to a change in the hormonal milieu. In this population, diagnosed melanoma is probably best treated at a specialist centre.