Congenital Pigmented Nevi

1. Incidence of 1% in newborns with greater incidence in blacks(1.8%).
2. Classified by size
1. Small- < 1.5cm - tan to brown irregular shaped macules. Darken at puberty and may become elevated and develop hair
2. Medium 1.5- 20 cm.- tan to brown macules. Darken with puberty and may become elevated and develop hair 
3. Giant > 20 cm. - incidence of 1/20000 with irregular margin and may have verrucous texture. They are usually dark and covered with dark hair. Satellite lesions may be present. Because of their large size, often referred to as "bathing suit nevi". Also may have extension into the leptomeninges and have associated neurological manifestations that include seizures and neurological focal deficits.
3. Risk of Malignant transformation- this is a controversial area with many varied opinions
1. is a 2.5-4.6% chance of malignant transformation. The risk is greater for giant nevi and usually will occur prior to puberty. 
2. Small and medium sized nevi will rarely change prior to puberty although estimates are that 15% of melanomas originate in small congenital nevi. 
3. 5-10% of giant nevi will result in melanomas and 50% will arise prior to the age of 5.
4. Management
1. Management remains controversial and based on risk of malignant transformation, cosmetic appearance, risk of scarring, and psychological issues.
2. Giant nevi are often removed because of the increased incidence of malignant transformation and cosmetic disfigurement. Also, because of their irregular features, it may be difficult to recognize significant changes. All patients should have imaging studies to rule out involvement of the central nervous system. Surgical procedures are difficult and may be associated with great disfigurement.
3. All non- giant nevi should be observed yearly for changes that may be indicative of malignant transformation. Specimens that change should be biopsied. Also, location of the nevus and ability to observe for changes is important in decision to remove.

1. are benign accumulation of melanocytes that increase during childhood and peak during 30-40s. The greater the number of nevi, the greater the risk of melanoma. Increased numbers are associated with sun exposure, especially in fair skinned individuals.
2. With maturation, they may become raised, dome shaped, and pedunculated. Eventually, they disappear with aging.
3. Rarely undergo malignant transformation. Increased risk factors for melanoma include fair skin, increased sun exposure, positive family history, increased number of nevi, presence of giant nevus, some familial syndromes, and immunosuppression. Should observe for 
1. rapid increase in size
2. irregularity of the border
3. development of asymmetry
4. variation of color within nevus
5. development of satellite lesions
6. changes in texture.
4. Most observed changes are due to irritation or natural maturation of the nevus.
5. If there is concern about changes or parental anxiety, nevus should be removed.

1. From, L. Congenital Nevi: Let's Be Practical. Pediatric Dermatology. 1992 Vol 9 No. 4 345-46.
2. Kincannon J and Boutzale C. The Physiology of Pigmented Nevi. Pediatrics. 1999; 104(4 Suppl.):1042-1045.
3. Nelson's Textbook of Pediatrics. 15th Edition.
4. Morelli and Weston Sun,Moles, and Melanoma. Contemporary Pediatrics June 1999
5. Chamlin Sarah.Shedding light on moles, melanoma, and the sun.  Contemporary Pediatrics June 2002
6. Naeyaert JM, Brochez L. Clinical Practice. Dysplastic Nevi. N Engl J Med. 2003 Dec 4;349(23): 2233-40. Review
7. Ferrari A. et al. Does Melanoma Behave Differently in Younger Children than Adults?  A Retrospective Study of 33 Cases of Childhood Melanoma From a Single Institution. Pediatrics March 2005
8. Lange JR and Balch CM. Melanoma in Children.  Pediatrics March 2005