Clinical Features and Risks of Congenital Melanocytic Naevi: A Retrospective Analysis of Patients at the Queensland Children's Hospital

Yolanka Lobo ^1,2, Jessica Zhuang ^1,3,4, Hannah Gribbin ^1,5

⁰Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

The Australasian Journal of Dermatology +

|

January 21, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN) size, location, and number are linked to complications like neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM). These factors also influence the need for investigations such as MRI or biopsy in children.

Area Of Science

Pediatric Dermatology
Oncology
Genetics

Background

Congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN) are a known risk factor for melanoma.
Melanoma risk is influenced by the specific phenotype of the congenital nevus.
Understanding risk factors for CMN complications is crucial for early detection and management.

Purpose Of The Study

To assess clinical characteristics of CMN associated with high risk of neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM) and melanoma in Australian children.
To identify patient and CMN features that prompt further investigations.
To determine the incidence of malignancy and other complications in pediatric CMN cases.

Main Methods

Retrospective review of electronic medical records.
Inclusion of pediatric patients (<18 years) diagnosed with CMN.
Data collected from Queensland Children's Hospital between 2014 and 2021.

Main Results

Eighty-eight pediatric patients were analyzed.
18% underwent biopsy; 16% had CNS MRI.
5.7% experienced complications, including 3 with NCM; no melanomas were recorded.

Conclusions

CMN size, posterior midline location, and multiplicity are significantly associated with complications.
CMN characteristics (size, site, satellites, midline location) correlate with MRI/biopsy likelihood.
Large-scale, population-based studies are recommended to refine risk assessment for CMN complications.

Keywords:

congenital melanoma neurocutaneous melanosis pigmented nevus retrospective studies risk factors

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