Giant congenital nevus

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Congenital nevus on the abdomen

Congenital giant pigmented nevus; Giant hairy nevus; Giant pigmented nevus; Bathing trunk nevus; Congenital melanocytic nevus - large

Treatment involves frequent exams to check for skin cancers.

When possible, surgery to remove the nevus will be done. Skin grafting is done when needed. Larger nevi may need to be removed in several stages.

Lasers and dermabrasion can also be used to improve the appearance. However, using these techniques may not remove the entire birthmark, and may make it harder to diagnose skin cancer (melanoma). For these reasons, surgery is controversial.

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Psychological treatment can help with the emotional impact of having a disfiguring disorder.

Skin cancer (such as malignant melanoma and other types) may develop in up to 15% (1 out of 6) of people with larger or giant nevi, often in childhood. The risk is higher for larger or giant congenital nevi located on the back or abdomen.

• Depression and other emotional problems (due to appearance)
• Skin cancer (melanoma)

Rarely, bathing trunk nevi occur with a condition that causes a growth of pigment-producing cells in the head (leptomeningeal melanocytosis). Complications include:

• Hydrocephalus
• Motor abnormalities
• Seizures

This condition is usually diagnosed at birth. Call for an appointment with your health care provider (or mention it during a well-baby exam) if your child has a large pigmented area anywhere on the skin.

Review Date: 10/08/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).