Giant congenital melanocytic nevus: report from 30 years of experience in a single department

Ann Plast Surg. 2015 Feb;74(2):223-9. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0b013e3182920c3d.

Abstract

Giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMN) occur in 1:20,000 livebirths and are associated with increased risk of malignant transformation. The treatment of GCMN from 1981 to 2010 in a tertiary referral center was reviewed evaluating the modalities used, cosmetic results, associated complications, and malignant transformation. Of 35 patients, 25 underwent surgery. Curettage was most frequently used (64%) followed by excision and tissue expansion (20%). Six percent of the patients treated with curettage, and 78% of the patients who received excision surgery required more than 1 planned procedure, and 25% versus 44% required unplanned additional surgery, respectively. Complications were noted in 25% and 67% of the patients, respectively. Cosmetic result was satisfying in 76% of patients without difference between the groups. No malignant transformation was found during a mean follow-up of 11 years. Curettage is a gentle alternative to excision with a lower complication rate and good cosmetic outcome.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Curettage
  • Dermatologic Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nevus, Pigmented / surgery*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Skin Transplantation
  • Surgical Flaps
  • Tissue Expansion
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult