The Risk for Melanoma in Large, Congenital Melanocytic Nevi

After LCMN surgery, the risk for malignant transformation is reduced but not negligible, and scarring may affect cosmetic improvement.

Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) occur in 1% of newborns. CMN are classified by projected adult size: small (<1.5 cm), medium (1.5 to 19.9 cm), and large (>20 cm). Large CMN (LCMN) are rare (occurring in 1/20,000 to 1/500,000 newborns) and are associated with a higher risk for melanoma than smaller CMN, but the true risk is unknown, and optimal management of LCMN is controversial.

Investigators evaluated 14 studies of LCMN performed during the period 1966 through 2011 that had at least 20 subjects. Among 2578 patients, 52 melanomas arose in 51 patients (2%). Age at melanoma diagnosis ranged from birth to 58 years (mean age, 12.6 years); 55% were fatal (mean age at death, 10 years; range, 0.9 to 40 years). Location was specified in 44 patien…

Reviewing Author

Mary Wu Chang, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Pierre Fabre; Valeant

Speaker’s bureauPierre Fabre

Mary Wu Chang, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Pierre Fabre; Valeant

Speaker’s bureauPierre Fabre

The Risk for Melanoma in Large, Congenital Melanocytic Nevi

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Reviewing Author