Giant congenital melanocytic nevi
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Jugpal S Arneja1, Arun K Gosain
1Detroit, Mich.; and Milwaukee, Wis. From the Section of Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Michigan and Wayne State University, and Department of Plastic Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin.
Learning Objectives:
After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Define what is meant by a giant congenital melanocytic nevus and understand its histologic properties. 2. Know the natural history and potential complications associated with a giant congenital melanocytic nevus. 3. Outline the nonsurgical and surgical options available to treat a giant congenital melanocytic nevus.
Background:
Giant congenital melanocytic nevi are rare lesions with a propensity to degenerate to malignant melanoma. Certain lesions also may be associated with neurocutaneous melanosis, which can on occasion be symptomatic. Appropriate investigations include a screening magnetic resonance imaging scan, neurologic evaluation, and serial clinical observations for the development of cutaneous melanoma. A variety of nonsurgical and surgical options are possible for the treatment of giant congenital melanocytic nevi.
Methods:
A MEDLINE search was performed to gather all pertinent articles from 1955 to 2005.
Results:
Giant congenital melanocytic nevi are a difficult diagnostic and reconstructive challenge, requiring careful preoperative evaluation, staged surgical excision, and lifelong patient monitoring and follow-up. With proper treatment, patients can expect a decreased risk of melanoma, with the possibility for early detection and cure of melanoma, amelioration of symptoms, improved aesthetics and psychosocial sequelae, and maintenance of function.
Conclusion:
The plastic surgeon treating these challenging lesions must have a solid working knowledge of the disease's histology, its natural history and complications, and the options for treatment.
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