Treatment options for giant congenital naevi

Giant congenital naevi (GCN) are disfiguring, potentially malignant pigmented naevi present at birth. The naevus cells in GCN are found throughout the dermis and sometimes penetrate the subcutaneous septa. It is claimed that superficial, more heavily pigmented and biologically different naevus cells reside in the upper dermis. Partial removal of these superficial naevus cells by dermabrasion, laser therapy, curettage or shave excision is less traumatic than excision surgery and produces an acceptable cosmetic result. However, none of these techniques or excision of GCN to superficial fat completely removes the risk of malignant transformation.