Current understanding and clinical management of congenital melanocytic naevi: a review

Congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN) are benign melanocytic proliferations originating from neural crest cells and presenting at birth or in early infancy with variable clinical manifestations and malignancy risks. The incidence of CMN varies by sex, with a higher prevalence in female patients but with potentially greater complications in male patients. Genetic studies have highlighted the pivotal role of mutations in BRAF and NRAS in influencing the size and malignancy risk of CMN. Diagnostic challenges necessitate a systematic approach, including histopathology, molecular profiling and risk-stratified therapeutic selection. This review synthesizes current knowledge on CMN epidemiology, molecular pathogenesis, diagnostic advancements and therapeutic strategies. Future directions emphasize the need for longitudinal studies to validate interventions, multidisciplinary collaboration and biomarker-driven personalized management.