Giant congenital melanocytic nevi

Abstract

Giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMN) are melanocytic lesions secondary to the abnormal migration of melanoblasts during the embryogenesis, affecting approximately one in 20,000 live births. They are usually present since birth and are distinguished by changing their morphological characteristics within time, and increasing their size parallel to the growth of the child, reaching a diameter ≥ 20 cm in adulthood. The importance of the GCMN lies in the complications associated to them; mainly the development of melanoma or neurocutaneous melanosis, in addition to the psychological or social impact that generates in most of the cases. Therefore, individuals with GCMN will require a multidisciplinary long-term follow-up. Currently, the management of children with GCMN is still controversial since there is no treatment of choice. Consequently, the treatment must be individualized according to the characteristics of the nevus and the specific needs of each patient.