How Do You Spell NAVUS?
Pronunciation: [nˈavəs] (IPA) 
Pronunciation: [nˈavəs] (IPA)
Navus is a Latin noun that translates to "birthmark" or "mole" in English. It refers to a small, pigmented spot on the skin that is present at birth or appears shortly thereafter. Generally, the term is used to describe a benign overgrowth of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin. These birthmarks can vary in size, shape, and color, and may be flat or elevated from the skin surface.
A navus is often a result of an accumulation of melanin in a specific area of the skin. They can occur anywhere on the body, including the face, neck, limbs, and trunk, and their appearance can be influenced by genetic factors. While most navus are harmless and do not require medical intervention, some may have underlying health implications or cosmetic concerns.
In medicine, navus is often used in conjunction with other terms to describe specific types of birthmarks. For example, a melanocytic navus refers to a birthmark composed of melanocytes, while a dermal melanocytic navus indicates that the birthmark lies predominantly in the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin. These distinctions can help clinicians classify and diagnose different types of birthmarks for appropriate management and follow-up.
Overall, a navus is a term used in dermatology to describe a pigmented birthmark that can range in size, appearance, and location on the skin.
The word "navus" originates from Latin. It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *nebʰ-, which means "to be damp" or "to moisten". In Latin, "navus" initially referred to a spot, mark, or stain on the skin, commonly known as a birthmark. Over time, the meaning of "navus" extended to signify any sort of blemish or defect.
