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Congenital Melanocytic Nevus

Congenital Melanocytic Nevus

Congenital Nevus (Moles) Removal In Gainesville, FL

Moles are a common type of skin condition or feature. A congenital melanocytic nevus, also known as a congenital nevus or congenital mole, is a type of pigmented birthmark that appears on the skin at birth or within the first year of life. These moles commonly occur on the trunk or limbs, yet they can appear anywhere on the body. Most congenital moles are harmless and don't usually pose health problems, but a small percentage can turn into skin cancer, such as melanoma, during later years of life.

If you have a congenital mole and you want to have it removed for cosmetic or functional reasons, or if you think it is or may become cancerous, consult a Gainesville dermatology specialist at Gainesville Dermatology & Skin Surgery. We offer comprehensive skin care and skin treatments for all types of skin conditions, including congenital nevi. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

What Is A Congenital Nevus?

A congenital nevus, also called a congenital melanocytic nevus or a birthmark, is a type of mole or pigmented skin lesion that is present at birth or appears shortly after birth. Congenital nevi occur as a result of an overgrowth of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes in the skin. Congenital nevi can vary in size, color, and shape. They can be small, flat spots or larger, raised lesions. The color of a congenital nevus can be light brown, dark brown, black, bluish, or another color.

The size of congenital melanocytic nevi can also vary widely, with some lesions being just a few millimeters in size and others covering a significant area of the body. While most congenital moles are harmless, larger lesions have a slightly increased risk of developing into melanoma, which is a type of skin cancer. The risk of a congenital mole becoming cancerous is generally low, but it is important to monitor and regularly check these moles for any changes in size, color, shape, texture, or symptoms. If any changes occur, you should consult your dermatologist in Gainesville, FL, for evaluation.

Types Of Congenital Nevi

There are several different types of congenital nevi. The distinction among the different types of congenital nevi depends on their size and general appearance. For more information, contact Gainesville Dermatology & Skin Surgery.

  • Large Congenital Nevus. Most people who have congenital nevi are born with them, and as they grow, so does their nevi. Your nevi may be large if it is larger than the size of a child's hand; it cannot be removed with a single surgical incision; and covers a significant portion of the head, legs, or arms.
  • Giant Congenital Nevus. A nevus that grows to an adult size of at least 8 inches across is considered a giant nevus. Giant nevi cover a very large area of the body, generally involve much of the torso, and are accompanied by numerous smaller nevi or satellite nevi. These nevi are generally rare.
  • Small Congenital Nevus. Congenital nevi that measure less than 1.5 centimeters or about 5/8 of an inch are called small congenital nevi. Small nevi are quite common among newborn children.
  • Medium Congenital Nevus. A congenital nevus that will grow to an adult size of 1.5 to 19.9 cm or 5/8 to 7 3/4 inches across is known as a medium congenital nevus. Medium congenital nevi are less common than small ones.
  • Speckled Lentiginous Nevus. A speckled lentiginous nevus is a type of congenital nevi that is characterized by dark spots on a flat surface with a tan color.
  • Satellite Lesions. Satellite legions are a type of congenital nevi comprising tiny moles that can surround the primary nevus or develop elsewhere on the body.
  • Tardive Nevus. A tardive nevus is a type of congenital nevus that develops and is present on the skin after birth, typically before the age of 2. It grows slowly.
  • Garment Nevus. A garment nevus is a type of congenital nevus located on the skin surrounding the buttocks or covering an entire shoulder or arm.
  • Halo Nevus. A halo nevus is a type of congenital nevus characterized as a mole with white or light-colored skin surrounding it.

Congenital Nevus Symptoms

A congenital nevus can occur in a range of different colors and shades. They may even match the surrounding color of skin. However, the vast majority of congenital moles are a shade of brown, whether they are a light coffee color or a deep umber brown. When these moles first develop, they may present with dark, thick, and long hairs, or these hairs may grow from the mole over time. Congenital nevi can darken, become thicker, or grow larger over time and as the child ages. These lesions are usually painless and occur without other symptoms.

What Causes Congenital Moles?

Congenital melanocytic nevi occur as a result of a change in pigment cells (melanocytes) of the skin. Moles occur by chance, and they are not inherited from parents or other relatives. There is no way to prevent congenital moles from occurring at birth or developing after birth. In rare cases, congenital melanocytic nevi can signal a condition known as neurocutaneous melanosis, which can occur when congenital moles are found on the back.

Can You Remove A Congenital Nevus?

In the majority of cases, congenital moles do not pose any physical or health problems and, thus, do not require treatment or removal. Yet, individuals with these skin lesions can feel self-conscious or suffer emotional trauma due to the presence of their moles. Additionally, congenital moles require monitoring over time in order to detect any signs of skin cancer. Congenital mole removal may be used for cosmetic or functional reasons, particularly in cases where the placement of the mole results in emotional problems or functional issues, when the lesion is large, and when it is located in a highly visible area of the body.

  • Surgical Mole Removal. Surgical excision is the most common treatment for removing a mole. If the mole is very large or giant, the mole may not be removable in one procedure. In these cases, several smaller surgeries may be used to make complete removal easier. This approach is known as staged excision.
  • Dermabrasion. Dermabrasion uses a diamond rotary tool or a wire brush to remove layers of skin. This treatment likely won't completely remove a mole, but it can improve its appearance and is usually most effective in the first 6 weeks of life.
  • Skin Curettage. During skin curettage, your provider will gently scrape away your top layers of skin with the mole. As with dermabrasion, skin curettage for mole removal is typically most effective when performed in the first 6 weeks of life.
  • Tangential Excision. In tangential excision, the top layers of skin are removed with a scalpel or blade. This treatment won't completely remove a nevus and may result in scarring. It can help improve the appearance of congenital nevi.
  • Chemical Peels. Medical-grade chemical peels can be useful in improving the appearance of moles that are lighter in color. Common chemicals used in these peels include trichloroacetic acid and phenol.

When To See A Dermatologist

In most cases, doctors can diagnose congenital nevi from a physical examination of the moles alone. Most congenital nevi are harmless, but in some cases, they may become cancerous over time. Giant congenital nevi carry the highest risk of becoming cancerous. Unfortunately, surgical mole removal isn't necessarily a guarantee that you won't develop cancer. Many individuals who develop melanoma and have giant congenital nevi have melanoma in another area of their body.

In addition to giant veni, medium and large-size nevi can also put you are a greater risk of developing skin cancer. If you have one or more congenital nevi, especially large, giant, or medium congenital nevi, you should visit your dermatologist regularly for skin exams. You should check your lesion often and make note of any changes, such as the following.

  • Darkening of tone in the mole
  • Lumps or bumps on the mole
  • Increase in size of the mole
  • An irregular shape or border
  • Changes in the color of the mole
  • Red or irritated skin surrounding the mole
  • Bleeding or pus coming from the mole
  • Rapid growth of the mole
  • Significant changes in mole texture
  • Itchiness, pain, or discomfort of the mole