Deep penetrating nevus of the eyelid

Background: A 52-year-old woman was evaluated for a pigmented tumor in her right lower eyelid, which has developed over the last year. The tumor measured 3 x 4 mm. The patient's ophthalmologic and medical history was normal. Clinically, a malignant melanoma was suspected, and an excision was carried out in local anesthesia. The histopathology was suggestive for a deep penetrating nevus.

Conclusions: Deep penetrating nevus is a variant of benign pigmented nevi with deep dermal and subcutaneous involvement. The pattern should be recognized and differentiated form malignant melanoma.