Congenital melanocytic nevi often have variations in color and must be checked carefully for change.
Congenital melanocytic nevi often have variations in color and must be checked carefully for change.
This image displays a congenital nevus with a black area, which should be evaluated by a dermatologist due to the possibility of melanoma.
This image displays a congenital nevus with a black area, which should be evaluated by a dermatologist due to the possibility of melanoma.
A congenital nevus on the sole or palm often has a flat appearance and may be brown to almost black in color.
A congenital nevus on the sole or palm often has a flat appearance and may be brown to almost black in color.
Moles (nevi) present at birth, made up of nests of pigment-producing cells, are known as congenital melanocytic nevi.
Moles (nevi) present at birth, made up of nests of pigment-producing cells, are known as congenital melanocytic nevi.
A congenital nevus is often quite large and dark brown, as in this child's armpit area.
A congenital nevus is often quite large and dark brown, as in this child's armpit area.
Congenital melanocytic nevi often have hairs present.
Congenital melanocytic nevi often have hairs present.
This image displays a close-up of a small congenital melanocytic nevus.
This image displays a close-up of a small congenital melanocytic nevus.
Congenital nevi can have raised areas, as seen here.
Congenital nevi can have raised areas, as seen here.
A congenital nevus is found in about 2% of newborns and is usually a raised, brown spot, as seen here on the nose.
A congenital nevus is found in about 2% of newborns and is usually a raised, brown spot, as seen here on the nose.
A congenital melanocytic nevus (birthmark) usually has sharply defined edges and an even brown color.
A congenital melanocytic nevus (birthmark) usually has sharply defined edges and an even brown color.
This image displays a close-up of a congenital nevus that is uniformly black.
This image displays a close-up of a congenital nevus that is uniformly black.
This image displays color and darker pigment typical of a congenital melanocytic nevus.
This image displays color and darker pigment typical of a congenital melanocytic nevus.
Congenital melanocytic nevi are present at birth.
Congenital melanocytic nevi are present at birth.

Images of Congenital Melanocytic Nevus (13)

Congenital melanocytic nevi often have variations in color and must be checked carefully for change.
This image displays a congenital nevus with a black area, which should be evaluated by a dermatologist due to the possibility of melanoma.
A congenital nevus on the sole or palm often has a flat appearance and may be brown to almost black in color.
Moles (nevi) present at birth, made up of nests of pigment-producing cells, are known as congenital melanocytic nevi.
A congenital nevus is often quite large and dark brown, as in this child's armpit area.
Congenital melanocytic nevi often have hairs present.
This image displays a close-up of a small congenital melanocytic nevus.
Congenital nevi can have raised areas, as seen here.
A congenital nevus is found in about 2% of newborns and is usually a raised, brown spot, as seen here on the nose.
A congenital melanocytic nevus (birthmark) usually has sharply defined edges and an even brown color.
This image displays a close-up of a congenital nevus that is uniformly black.
This image displays color and darker pigment typical of a congenital melanocytic nevus.
Congenital melanocytic nevi are present at birth.

Congenital Melanocytic Nevus

A congenital melanocytic nevus is a mole that is present at birth or shortly thereafter. It is one common type of birthmark. It is caused by a cluster of pigment-producing cells in the skin and sometimes in deeper tissues.

Congenital melanocytic nevus has a very low (2%-5%) lifetime risk of turning into a cancerous (malignant) mole, called melanoma. This risk is higher in people who have large or giant (larger than 20 cm, or about 8 inches) congenital melanocytic nevi.

Large moles on the head or spine may have associated nervous system problems, although this is rare.

Who's At Risk?

Most people are born without moles but will gradually acquire them with age and sun exposure. Congenital means “born with,” so this type of birthmark is usually seen in babies, but they persist in people for life. Congenital melanocytic nevi are slightly more common in females than males.

Signs & Symptoms

Congenital melanocytic nevi are brown or sometimes blackish papules (small, solid bumps) or patches (flat areas larger than a thumbnail) that are present at birth or shortly after (before age 1 year). They may have a smooth, round border, or the border may be irregular. There is often just one congenital melanocytic nevus, but there can be multiple, and they range in size from 1 cm to 20 cm (sometimes covering large sections of the body). Smaller surrounding lesions, called satellite lesions, are sometimes present with large lesions.

The most common locations for these birthmarks are the buttocks, thighs, and trunk, but lesions may occur on the face and arms or legs. They occasionally occur on the palms, soles, and scalp.

Changes in thickness, color, and hair content in the congenital melanocytic nevus may occur in childhood and especially during adolescence. In later adult years, they may fade in color to a lighter brown.

Self-Care Guidelines

Because there is a risk of the congenital melanocytic nevus becoming malignant, wear sun-protection clothing and use sunscreen that blocks UVB and UVA rays (ie, broad spectrum) with SPF 30 or higher every day (after age 1 year).

Treatments

The medical professional may simply recommend observation, which means watching it lifelong for any change in size (other than slow growth with a child), shape, or color and for any change in the surface (eg, flat areas that become more raised), or a skin biopsy may be done to confirm that there are no suspicious cells in the birthmark.

Small-to-medium-size congenital melanocytic nevi are often watched rather than removed. In addition to observing the mole for any changes, photographs may be taken to document and follow potential changes in the mole.

For larger moles, consultation and management by a medical professional, such as a dermatologist, with further consultation with a plastic surgeon, may be necessary. If the moles are numerous or involve the head or spine, consultation with a neurologist may be suggested.

Visit Urgency

Anyone with a birthmark should have it checked by a medical professional.

Trusted Links

References

Bolognia J, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018.

James WD, Elston D, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA. Andrew’s Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019.

Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, et al. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology. 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019.

Paller A, Mancini A. Paller and Mancini: Hurwitz Clinical Pediatric Dermatology. 6th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022.

Disease Groups: Birthmarks: Conditions, Treatments, and Pictures

Last modified on October 13th, 2023 at 9:56 am

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