Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus

This infant was noted to have a giant melanocytic nevus at birth. Giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMN) can be recognized not only by their increased size (greater than 20 cm) but also by their increased cellularity and ability to affect deep dermal layers and other subcutaneous tissue. ^1-4 Acquired nevi generally do not permeate the deeper dermal layers. Occasionally, GCMN may result in dysplasia of intraepidermal nevus cells, inflammatory spread of nevus cells, and proliferative dermal nodules.¹ Giant nevi can also be described based on their location eg, bathing trunk nevus, vestlike nevus, garment nevus, vest with collar nevus, shoulder stole nevus, and capelike nevus).¹ Those nevi that lack pigmentation at birth usually darken over time.¹

The incidence of GCMN varies but is roughly 1 in 50,000, which is significantly lower than that of smaller congenital nevi.^1,4,5 Although the embryological mechanism of giant nevi is not fully understood, morphogenic errors in neuroectodermal development may cause abnormal migration of melanoblasts from the neural crest to the skin.³ GCMN may change in size, shape, and color. They usually expand in proportion to the body’s growth and may grow hair in the first few years of the child’s life.^3,5

Between 2.8% and 8.5% of GCMN progress to malignant melanoma later in life.³ Their surgical removal, which is best done early in life (when skin elasticity is greatest), is somewhat controversial.6 Excision is usually recommended in cases in which it can be completed in fewer than 3 stages.¹ However, this may leave large, open wounds that are difficult to close, and the cosmetic result may be poor. Split-thickness skin grafts, full-thickness skin grafts, tissue expanders, flaps, and artificial skin substitutes are often used to cover the wounds, lessen pain and morbidity, and decrease scarring.⁷ When tissue expansion is required, surgery before the child is 2 years old (before skin elasticity begins to decrease) offers the best cosmetic results.⁶

Nonsurgical treatments include dermabrasion, laser ablation, curettage, and chemical peels as well as a variety of laser treatments.¹ Because satellite nevus cells may become malignant, it is recommended that patients be monitored by a dermatologist after these procedures.⁵ The risk of neurocutaneous melanosis is increased in patients with multiple satellite nevi or GCMN on the trunk, face, or head.¹

Other complications of GCMN may include pruritus, ulceration, psychosocial stigmatization, and poor wound healing from surgical excision.^4,7

References:

REFERENCES:

1.

Arneja JS, Gosain AK. Giant congenital melanocytic nevi.

Plast Reconstr Surg.

2007;120:26e-40e.

2.

Foster RD, Williams ML, Barkovich AJ, et al. Giant congenital melanocytic nevi: the significance of neurocutaneous melanosis in neurologically asymptomatic children.

Plast Reconstr Surg.

2001;107:933-941.

3.

Strauss RM, Newton Bishop JA. Spontaneous involution of congenital melanocytic nevi of the scalp.

J Am Acad Dermatol.

2008;58:508-511.

4.

Zaal LH, Mooi WJ, Klip H, van der Horst CM. Risk of malignant transformation of congenital melanocytic nevi: a retrospective nationwide study from The Netherlands.

Plast Reconstr Surg.

2005;116:1902-1909.

5.

Arneja JS, Gosain AK. Giant congenital melanocytic nevi of the trunk and an algorithm for treatment.

J Craniofac Surg.

2005;16:886-893.

6.

Fujiwara M, Nakamura Y, Fukamizu H. Treatment of giant congenital nevus of the back by convergent serial excision.

J Dermatol.

2008;35:608-610.

7.

Earle SA, Marshall DM. Management of giant congenital nevi with artificial skin substitutes in children.

J Craniofac Surg.

2005;16:904-907.