Skin Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Skin Cancer, including details on identification, causes, prevention, treatment.

Spontaneous involution of congenital melanocytic nevi of the scalp.

Strauss RM, Newton Bishop JA

Department of Dermatology, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom.

Large or giant congenital melanocytic nevi are rare. They are associated with a risk of melanoma, which is poorly quantified, and often represent a major cosmetic problem. Surgical intervention is the most common treatment, although dermabrasion or curettage in the first weeks of life is used in some centers. When these nevi occur in the scalp, the risk of melanoma has been reported to be lower. Here we describe a series of children in whom large congenital melanocytic nevi on the scalp appeared to spontaneously involute. Therefore, our findings indicate that these nevi also have a better prognosis cosmetically. It is suggested that the decision about surgical treatment should be deferred until the maximal improvement in appearance has occurred during the first 2 years of life.

Published 18 February 2008 in J Am Acad Dermatol, 58(3): 508-11.
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