Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
08:49
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Giant congenital melanocytic nevi
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.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|July 17, 2007
Summary
Giant congenital melanocytic nevi are rare skin lesions that can develop into malignant melanoma. Early detection and treatment, including surgical options, are crucial for managing risks and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Plastic Surgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMN) are rare, with potential for malignant melanoma transformation.
- Associated risks include neurocutaneous melanosis and symptomatic complications.
- Diagnostic approaches involve MRI, neurologic evaluation, and melanoma surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMN) and their histologic characteristics.
- To understand the natural history and potential complications of GCMN.
- To outline current nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for GCMN.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted using MEDLINE.
- Searched for relevant articles published between 1955 and 2005.
Main Results:
- GCMN present significant diagnostic and reconstructive challenges.
- Staged surgical excision, preoperative evaluation, and lifelong monitoring are essential.
- Proper treatment reduces melanoma risk, enables early detection, and improves aesthetics and function.
Conclusions:
- Plastic surgeons require thorough knowledge of GCMN histology, natural history, and complications.
- Understanding treatment options is critical for managing these challenging lesions.
- Multidisciplinary care optimizes outcomes for patients with GCMN.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:19Pigmentation
The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
01:20The Retinoblastoma Gene
Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
01:20The Retinoblastoma Gene
Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
01:27Cytomegalovirus Disease
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...