Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

06:15
Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia
Published on: August 9, 2024
Congenital giant melanocytic nevi
Ghulam S Hashmi1, Syed S Ahmed, Shahla Khan
1Dept. of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India;
Rare Tumors
|December 9, 2010
Summary
Giant congenital nevi, large pigmented skin growths, carry a significant risk of developing into malignant melanoma. Early surgical removal is recommended due to the high risk of melanoma development in young children.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Nevi are common skin tumors arising from epidermal and dermal cells.
- While most nevi are benign, some require monitoring or removal due to pre-cancerous potential.
Observation:
- Giant congenital nevi are defined as pigmented, often hairy lesions exceeding 10 cm in size.
- These large nevi present a 4-6% risk of malignant transformation into melanoma.
Findings:
- Melanoma associated with giant congenital nevi frequently develops early in life, with 50% by age two and 80% by age seven.
- This case highlights a unique presentation of giant nevi and details their surgical management.
Implications:
- Early detection and surgical intervention for giant congenital nevi are crucial for preventing melanoma.
- Understanding the management of these rare lesions is vital for pediatric dermatology and oncology.
- This case contributes to the literature on the surgical treatment of giant congenital nevi.
Related Concept Videos
Skin 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...
Pigmentation
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...
The 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,...
The 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,...
Cytomegalovirus 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...

