Update on pediatric dermatologic surgery from tots to teens

Children and their parents typically present to pediatricians to discuss treatment options for melanocytic nevi, nevus sebaceus, port-wine stains, and hemangiomas. Each of these conditions may be medically managed, but in some situations surgical intervention may be preferable.

Although recent studies have improved our understanding of melanoma risk among patients with congenital nevi, prospective trials are needed to more accurately assess whether surgical excision mitigates this risk. The risk of basal cell carcinoma within nevus sebaceus appears to be low, but more conclusive data requires further studies with modern immunohistochemical analysis. Pulsed dye laser is effective for treating port-wine stains, although the optimal timing is controversial. While oral and topical beta blockers have revolutionized the treatment of proliferating infantile hemangiomas, laser and/or surgical excision are useful in selected situations.

Excisional and/or laser surgery are indicated for certain common dermatologic conditions in children, although the optimal timing of these interventions is often subjective. Pediatricians should be familiar with why and when to refer patients for surgery of these common dermatological conditions.