Confocal microscopy: Improving our understanding of nevogenesis

Nevi are benign clonal proliferations of cells expressing a melanocytic phenotype. The development of melanocytic nevi is a complex, multifactorial process. In some conditions, it has been demonstrated that genetic factors (i.e., numerical and structural abnormalities of chromosomes, mutant genes, genetic mosaic) or environmental factors (i.e., intrauterine infections, ionizing radiation, drugs, alcohol, deficiency or excess of trace elements in pregnancy, maternal diseases) or combinations of both may play a role. However, in almost all cases the etiology remains unknown. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2012.