The outcome of using different surgical modalities and laser therapy in the treatment of small- and medium-sized congenital melanocytic nevi: a systematic review

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to review the published articles regarding different surgical modalities including laser therapy in the treatment of congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN). Methods: A systematic review was done using several databases including PubMed, Ovid Medline, Google Scholar, and Medline to search for articles related to surgical excisions and different treatment modalities of CMN. Results: Fourteen studies were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results have shown that the Q-switched ruby laser therapy was the most commonly used laser therapy to treat CMN. Overall, using laser therapy had positive outcomes in CMN treatment. However, limited knowledge was available regarding patient satisfaction with the outcomes of laser therapy. Conclusion: We concluded that the most acceptable surgical choice was using excision with tissue expanders. Laser-intense pulsed light (IPL) alone and in combination with Erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) has a risk of recurrence. Combination of types of the laser is more effective than a single one.