Treatment for Congenital Nevus Treatment of congenital nevi
depends on size of the lesion, location, perceived risk for
melanoma (serious type of skin cancer), and cosmetic outcome.
The lifetime risk for malignant degeneration in a large
congenital nevus is approximately 6%. In these cases, melanoma
can arise in the first few years of life, and excision should be
considered as soon as possible. Management is based on the
individual and should be determined after consultation with
parents and the medical team. When lesions are so extensive as
to involve most areas of the skin, excision is not feasible and
clinical follow-up is important to detect any early changes.
Laser treatment may lighten areas of the nevus and improve its
appearance, but it is not recommended because it doesn't remove
the deeper pigment cells where malignant changes occur.
Management of small congenital nevi remains controversial
because there is little agreement on their associated potential
for malignancy. Nevertheless, most dermatologi