Reading File
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Reading File
Answer: D) It is commonly seen in males - This is FALSE
Naevus of Ota is actually predominantly seen in females (approximately 80% of reported cases are in women, and it is four times more common in women than in men). Option D is the correct false statement.
All options analyzed:
| Option | Statement | True or False? |
|---|---|---|
| A | Mostly appears at birth or early childhood | TRUE - There are two peaks of onset: infancy (~50-60% of cases, majority present at birth) and around puberty (~40-50%) |
| B | Distributed along the trigeminal nerve | TRUE - It follows the distribution of the 1st and 2nd branches of the trigeminal nerve (V1 and V2 dermatomes), involving the periorbital area, temple, forehead, and malar region |
| C | Bluish patchy dermal melanocytosis | TRUE - The blue/blue-gray color results from melanin-producing melanocytes in the dermis (dermal melanocytosis); it is considered a dermal melanocytic hamartoma |
| D | Commonly seen in males | FALSE - ~80% of cases occur in women; it is 4x more common in females |
Key Facts about Naevus of Ota (Oculodermal Melanocytosis):
- Definition: Dermal melanocytic hamartoma presenting as blue/grey macules along the trigeminal V1 and V2 distribution
- Gender: Predominantly female (F:M ratio ~4:1)
- Ethnicity: Most common in Asians and Africans
- Age of onset: Two peaks - at birth/infancy (50-60%) and puberty (40-50%)
- Histology: Dermal melanocytes producing melanin - gives the characteristic blue-gray appearance (Tyndall effect)
- Scleral involvement: ~2/3 of patients have ipsilateral scleral pigmentation
- Malignant risk: Rare, but uveal melanoma has been reported, especially in White patients (~1 in 400)
- Treatment: Q-switched Nd:YAG, ruby, or alexandrite lasers
Sources: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 28th Ed.; Dermatology 2-Volume Set 5e
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