Pigmented birthmarks and precursor melanocytic lesions of cutaneous melanoma identifiable in childhood

Mass Spectrometry Imaging Can Distinguish on a Proteomic Level Between Proliferative Nodules Within a Benign Congenital Nevus and Malignant Melanoma

Histopathological interpretation of proliferative nodules occurring in association with congenital melanocytic nevi can be very challenging due to their similarities with congenital malignant melanoma and malignant melanoma arising in association with congenital nevi. We hereby report a diagnostically challenging case of congenital melanocytic nevus with proliferative nodules and ulcerations, which was originally misdiagnosed as congenital malignant melanoma. Subsequent histopathological examination in consultation by one of the authors (R.L.) and mass spectrometry imaging analysis rendered a diagnosis of congenital melanocytic nevus with proliferative nodules. In this case, mass spectrometry imaging, a novel method capable of distinguishing benign from malignant melanocytic lesions on a proteomic level, was instrumental in making the diagnosis of a benign nevus. We emphasize the importance of this method as an ancillary tool in the diagnosis of difficult melanocytic lesions.

Facial dermatologic lesions in children

This article briefly reviews some of the most common skin lesions in the head and neck of a child. Benign "lumps and bumps" are very common in children and it is prudent for the pediatric maxillofacial surgeon to be familiar with their presentation, workup (including radiographic studies), and definitive surgical management. Inflammatory and infectious lesions require prompt treatment to avoid more serious sequelae of progressive infection and scarring.

Treatment of individual café au lait macules with the Q-switched Nd:YAG: A clinicopathologic correlation

BACKGROUND

Café au lait macules (CALMs) respond variably to treatment with lasers. This study was carried out to identify which individual features of CALMs could predict a good clinical response to treatment.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients aged 3-43 years were treated with the frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd:YAG (10 ns, Ø = 3 mm, 2.0 to 3.0 J/cm2). Biopsy specimens of the CALMs were obtained before treatment in 11 patients to achieve the diagnosis of CALMs. Treatment of CALMs usually requires several laser sessions, so the treatment was carried out at 2-month intervals. Clinical follow-up was done 3 and 12 months after the final treatment to observe results and recurrences.

RESULTS

The analysis shows that the only statistically significant criteria was the jagged aspects of the edges of the CALMs. Consequently, this criteria should be evaluated in further studies in relation with the laser treatment of CALMs.

Pigmented (melanotic) neurofibroma: a clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis of 19 lesions from 17 patients

Neurofibromas with melanin-laden pigmented cells are rare, accounting for less than 1% of all neurofibromas accessioned to the Soft Tissue Registry of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology between the years 1970 and 1996. This study analyzes the clinicopathologic features associated with 19 specimens removed from 17 patients. Eleven males and six females, ranging in age from 2 to 61 years (median, 28 years), participated in the study. Nine of 15 patients whose race was provided were black. Eight patients (47%) are known to have neurofibromatosis, and two others (12%) are strongly suspected of having this disorder; two patients have similarly affected family members. Eight patients were noted to have multiple skin tumors, and in each of two cases, two pigmented neurofibromas were available for review. Two patients had hypertrichosis and cutaneous hyperpigmentation resembling a hairy nevus, and one had a café au lait spot directly overlying a pigmented neurofibroma. Tumors ranged in size from 1.7 to 50 cm in greatest dimension and involved the buttock or leg (n = 6), head or neck (n = 8), trunk (n = 2), wrist or hand (n = 2), and an unspecified site (n = 1). The neurofibromas exhibited diffuse (n = 15), combined diffuse and plexiform (n = 2), combined diffuse and intraneural epithelioid (n = 1), and nonspecific (n = 1) growth patterns. The process involved the skin (n = 14), subcutis (n = 18), and/or skeletal muscle (n = 3). Wagner-Meissner-like bodies were identified in 11 tumors, and mitoses (average, less than one mitosis per 10 high-power fields) were present in three lesions. All examples contained scattered pigmented cells with dendritic, tadpole-shaped, spindled or epithelioid morphology. These cells were positive with Fontana-Masson (nine of nine) and Warthin-Starry (pH, 3.2; four of four) stains, and were depigmented with a melanin bleach method (two of two). An iron stain was negative. The tumors had immunoreactivity for S-100 protein (11 of 11), HMB-45 ( 10 of 11), Melan-A (four of four), tyrosinase (four of four), and CD34 (four of four). Although recurrences are documented, none of the tumors are known to have undergone malignant transformation. A pigmented neurofibroma can be confused with a pigmented dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (Bednár tumor) because the melanin-laden cells of both processes are similar. However, the latter entity exhibits a more extensive storiform growth, has greater immunoreactivity for CD34, and lacks a diffuse proliferation of S-100 protein-positive Schwann cells.

Adjunctive treatment of congenital pigmented nevi with phenol chemical peel

The purpose of this study was a retrospective evaluation of the treatment of congenital pigmented nevi using the phenol chemical peel technique. Patients were treated with standard Baker formula in the operating room under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation with continuous electrocardiogram monitoring. A total of 20 patients were reviewed (13 girls and 7 boys, mean age 3.8 years). Eight patients had nevi located on the face, five patients had trunk lesions, and three patients had lesions on the thighs. Two patients had nevi located on both the face and the trunk, and two patients had involvement of the face, trunk, and thigh. Three of the above patients had the classic "bathing trunk" distribution of the nevi. A test area was peeled in four patients, and in five patients preoperative biopsies were performed to rule out malignancy before initiation of therapy. An average of 2.6 treatments were performed per patient. Two patients had adjunctive dermabrasion to increase the depth of peel and to contour surface irregularities. The length of follow-up ranged from 6 to 84 months with a mean of 28 months. Healing of the wounds occurred within 2 to 3 weeks postoperatively. Seventy-five percent of patients had satisfactory cosmetic improvement in the appearance of the lesions following treatment. Four patients had recurrence of the pigmentation after an initial lightening response, three of whom had their nevi subsequently excised. There was no incidence of hypertrophic scarring or cardiac and/or renal complications. There was one death from complications of leptomeningeal melanocytosis. Chemical peeling of congenital pigmented nevi is an acceptable alternative method of therapy for those lesions that are too large for excision and primary closure or for lesions in which excision would result in unacceptable scars in areas such as the face.

Neonatal erosions and ulcerations in giant congenital melanocytic nevi

We report 10 cases of neonatal erosions or ulcerations in giant congenital melanocytic nevi. Histopathologic examination, performed in eight cases, demonstrated benign findings. Clinical follow-up for an average of 3.8 years (range 2 weeks to 8 years) has not revealed the development of cutaneous melanoma. We conclude that erosions or ulcerations in giant melanocytic nevi in neonates are often benign and do not necessarily signify the presence of cutaneous melanoma.

Risk of melanoma in medium-sized congenital melanocytic nevi: a follow-up study

BACKGROUND

The risk of the occurrence of malignant melanoma (MM) in medium-sized (1.5 to 19.9 cm in diameter) congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) is the subject of controversy. Universally accepted recommendations regarding the management of such lesions have not been made.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to assess the risk of MM arising in medium-sized CMN.

METHODS

The study included 230 medium-sized CMN in 227 patients, first seen in a private dermatology practice from 1955 to 1996, who were followed up for MM arising within their CMNs. Criteria for entry into the study included (1) a clinically diagnosed medium-sized CMN, (2) minimum follow-up period of 1 year, and (3) a photograph of the lesion in the patient's medical record.

RESULTS

No MM occurred in a medium-sized CMN during an average follow-up of 6.7 years (median, 5.8 years) to an average age of 25.5 years (median, 19.1 years).

CONCLUSION

The results of this short-term follow-up study do not support the view that there is a clinically significantly increased risk for MM arising in banal-appearing medium-sized CMN or that prophylactic excision of all such lesions is mandatory. Lifelong medical observation seems a reasonable alternative for many medium-sized CMN.

Pediatric dermatology

The latest studies regarding the controversial and concerning subjects of pigmented nevi and melanoma in children are reviewed. Additional topics covered include dermatologic conditions that feature genetic mosaicism, theories of pathogenesis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis, new clinical information regarding juvenile xanthogranulomas, and the unique features of pyoderma gangrenosum in infants and children.

Congenital giant pigmented nevi: Clinical features and risk of malignancy

There is general agreement that congenital giant pigmented nevi (CGPN) are precursors to malignant melanoma; however, the magnitude of the risk of malignant transformation is the subject of wide controversy. The goal of this study was to present the authors' experience with CGPN and more specifically their experience with the risk of malignancy. To identify the general features of CGPN a detailed retrospective chart review was performed at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto (1979 to 1994, n=84). There were 39 boys and 45 girls. The average size at presentation was 5.24% of the body surface area, and 36.9% of the nevus were located on the head and neck. An important finding was the high percentage of associated extra cutaneous disorders in patients with CGPN (23%) including a case of leptomeningeal melanocytosis. Tissue expansion was the most commonly used treatment modality. One case of malignant melanoma arising from CGPN was identified. To ensure that all cases of malignant melanoma were identified in this cohort, a questionnaire was sent to all plastic surgeons in Ontario (n=118), and data from the Ontario Cancer Registry were reviewed using the diagnostic codes for malignant melanoma and for pigmented nevus. One case of malignant melanoma was identified in all records. Thus CGPN poses a significant management challenge to the plastic surgeon and the risk of malignancy is low.

Cutaneous malignant melanotic neurocristic tumors arising in neurocristic hamartomas. A melanocytic tumor morphologically and biologically distinct from common melanoma

Cutaneous neurocristic hamartomas (CNH) are pigmented lesions of neural crest origin that involve the skin and superficial soft tissue. They consist of a complex proliferation of nevomelanocytes, schwann cells, and pigmented dendritic and spindled cells. Malignancies can arise within the lesions, but few studies have dealt with this issue. We studied seven cases of CNH in which malignancy supervened. They included four congenital and three acquired lesions that involved the head and neck (five cases) or back (two cases) in patients aged from 11 to 67 (mean, 32) years. Malignant tumors developed 15 to 67 (mean, 32) years after identification of the pigmented lesion in the congenital CNH and after 1 to 6 (mean 3.5) years in the acquired CNH. The malignant tumors had a deep intradermal or subcutaneous origin and lacked a junctional component. Most were circumscribed, multinodular, melanin-containing tumors composed of bland, small, rounded to spindled cells, focally displaying a trabecular or nested growth pattern. Nuclear palisading and perivascular pseudorosettes were present in several tumors. In two examples, the neoplasm consisted predominantly of large pleomorphic epithelioid cells. Tumors contained immunoreactive S-100 protein (all of seven cases), a melanoma-associated antigen (HMB-45)( five of six cases, neuron-specific enolase (five of seven cases) and vimentin (six of six cases). The four patients with congenital lesions tended to have multiple recurrences and died of disease after 2 to 20 (mean, 9) years, three with metastases, one with direct invasion of the posterior fossa. The three patients with acquired lesions are alive after 1 to 5 years two with persistent disease. In contrast to common melanomas, these tumors have a propensity to recur as bulky nodules and to metastasize after many years or decades. Because these tumors exhibit melanocytic differentiation and arise in hamartomatous lesions composed of neural crest derivatives, we have designated them cutaneous malignant melanotic neurocristic tumors.

Histologic features of congenital melanocytic nevi in infants 1 year of age or younger

BACKGROUND

Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) occur in approximately 1% of the white population. These lesions are often surgically excised prophylactically because of increased melanoma risk.

OBJECTIVE

In this study 87 CMN of all sizes from infants 12 months of age or younger (mean age, 6.6 months) were examined histologically.

METHODS

Each lesion was evaluated for depth of nevus cell involvement, overall epidermal and dermal pattern, and cytologic atypia.

RESULTS

Most CMN involved the lower half of the reticular dermis (89%), and 51% infiltrated the subcutaneous tissue. Depth of nevus cell infiltration was positively correlated with size of the lesion. The predominant dermal pattern was diffuse interstitial infiltration (63%). Patchy nevus cell patterns were observed in 37% of the CMN and were associated with smaller lesions (p < 0.001). Most of the CMN displayed no cytologic atypia (70%), and we found no cases of melanoma. Atypia was not significantly associated with either size or location of the nevus.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that depth and pattern of nevus cells are directly related to size of CMN in infants.

Giant Congenital Pigmented Nevi of the Face: Operative Management and Risk of Malignancy

Giant congenital pigmented nevi of the face are rare but of major consequence. Complete early excision of these lesions is recommended not only because of the cosmetic deformity they impose but also because of their life threatening potential for malignant transformation. At the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto 19 patients with giant congenital nevi of the face were reviewed. The anatomical location of the lesions, their morphological and histological characteristics, and the authors’ experience with surgical management of these lesions were evaluated. The risk of malignancy arising from these lesions was also evaluated. In this study, one patient died of leptomeningeal melanocytosis associated with her giant congenital nevus of the face. Although an accurate incidence of malignant transformation has not been determined, the risk of malignancy in congenital giant facial nevi must be considered.

Prepubertal melanoma in a medium-sized congenital naevus

A case of malignant melanoma in a medium-sized congenital naevus in a prepubertal girl is presented. Risk factors for developing melanoma during childhood include giant congenital naevi, dysplastic naevus syndrome and xeroderma pigmentosum. The lifetime risk of melanoma associated with giant congenital naevi has been estimated to be 4%-20%; the risk associated with small and medium-sized congenital naevi however remains controversial. In the latter lesions, malignant transformation is considered an almost exclusively postpubertal phenomenon, in contrast to giant congenital naevi where it often occurs prior to puberty. In our patient, malignant transformation in a medium-sized congenital naevus occurred before puberty. We suggest that the true incidence of malignant transformation within these lesions and the time at which it occurs, should be documented by prospective studies and that not only the giant congenital naevi but also the smaller congenital naevi should be considered for prophylactic excision in early childhood.

Etiology of melanoma

Although the precise etiology of melanoma remains unknown, much data link sunlight to melanoma. The imperfect evidence associating sun exposure (particularly UVB radiation) with melanoma emerges from human data, obviating problems inherent in extrapolation from animal and other models. However, the mechanism by which sunlight might possibly initiate or promote melanoma remains obscure. Some clarification should emerge from the potential isolation of genes that carry susceptibility to melanoma in families prone to the disease; such work could serve as a basis to distinguish genetic and environmental influences in melanoma [167]. Continued studies of faulty DNA repair in XP patients may elucidate the steps in mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. Future case-control studies must address the limits on the accuracy of recall and the limits on statistical methods to separate the cluster of phenotypic risk needed in determining biologically effective dose. Animal and in vitro studies must contribute more insight. Further research in the South American opossum models appears promising [72]. Although ozone depletion has been documented, there has been little definitive evidence of subsequent increase of UVB at the Earth's surface. Nevertheless, the threat posed by ozone depletion deserves continued environmental action and public education. The role of precursor lesions, particularly dysplastic nevi/atypical moles, must be clarified with future research. The distribution of melanoma among various work forces suggests that occupational risk factors may play an important role in the etiology of this disease [168-170]. The consistent reports of excess melanoma among accountants, clerical workers, professional workers, and teachers deserve further study. Furthermore, evidence of excesses in printing and press, petrochemical, and the telecommunications industries require follow-up. Carefully planned studies that account for nonoccupational risk factors are recommended. Research over the last four decades has brought much information about melanoma etiology. More work is needed to learn the precise cause and ultimately to prevent avoidable mortality from malignant melanoma.

Reconstitution of the histologic characteristics of a giant congenital nevomelanocytic nevus employing the athymic mouse and a cultured skin substitute

This study addresses the development of an animal model for human giant congenital nevomelanocytic nevi (GCNN). Skin grafts were made from 1) non-involved split-thickness skin from a 12-month-old GCNN patient, 2) nevus split-thickness skin from the same GCNN patient, 3) nevus full-thickness skin, and 4) cadaveric human split-thickness skin. For groups 1) and 2), human epidermal and dermal cells were enzymatically isolated and expanded in tissue culture. Composite grafts were made by placing the cultured dermal cells into a collagen-glycosaminoglycan (GAG) matrix, followed by placement of the epidermal cells onto the opposite, laminated side of the matrix. All grafts were placed onto full-thickness wounds of athymic mice and biopsies were obtained from 6 to 38 weeks later for light microscopy including S-100 immunoperoxidase staining, and electron microscopy. The GCNN cultured skin mice (group 2) developed black, raised skin in the healed wounds. None of the group 1 mice developed lesions, grossly or histologically. All of the nevus full-thickness mice retained the nevus grossly. Histopathologic examination at 38 weeks of the black, raised plaques of group 2 demonstrated a reconstituted dermis similar to group 3. Nevus cells were larger and more epithelioid in the upper dermis, as seen with true GCNN. These nevomelanocytes were not seen in the dermis at 24 weeks, suggesting that the nevus cells migrated from the epidermal component of the cultured graft to the dermis during this time frame (24-38 weeks). The melanocyte identity of these cells was confirmed with S-100 immunoperoxidase staining and electron microscopy. These findings are unique to this composite cultured graft system. The ability to culture specific types of melanocytes and place them int skin substitutes on athymic mice provides a basis for the study of GCNN and melanocyte biology in vivo.

The prevalence and characteristics of congenital pigmented lesions in newborn babies in Oxford

Melanocytic naevi (MN) are recognised risk factors for malignant melanoma but the epidemiology of MN is poorly understood. Some MN are present at birth and the study of congenital lesions is an important first step toward understanding the development of MN in early life. In this study, the prevalence and characteristics of congenital pigmented lesions were documented in 1012 White caucasian newborn babies at a maternity hospital in Oxford. Only 12 babies (1.2%) were found to have pigmented skin marks and each of these had only one lesion and no other abnormalities. MN were identified with certainty in only five babies (0.5% of the population; 95% CI, 0.06%-0.93%) thus confirming the relatively low prevalence of this lesion. Four of the MN were noted to be 'small' (less than 15 mm diameter) and all five were less than or equal to 20 mm in diameter. In other respects, the MN displayed a diversity of features. Of the other lesions there were two Mongolian blue spots, one melanocytic pustule, one 'probable' MN and three unusual skin marks where the diagnosis was uncertain but considered unlikely to be MN. During the course of the study, examinations were also carried out incidentally on 39 non-White babies. Twenty-two of these were noted to have Mongolian spots (57%) and three had other pigmented lesions (8%).

Malignant melanoma in children: its management and prognosis

Malignant melanoma is rare in children, representing 1% to 3% of all pediatric malignancies. Thirty-three children with malignant melanoma were treated at St Jude Children's Research Hospital from 1967 to 1988. Their ages ranged from 1 day to 20 years (median, 12 years); 23 were boys and 10 were girls; and 5 of the 33 (15%) were black. Four of the 33 children had been treated for a previous malignancy. In 3, melanoma arose within a bathing trunk nevus. The extremity was the most common site (13), followed by the trunk (9), head and neck (7), and perineum (1). In 3 patients the primary site could not be determined. Upon initial presentation to St Jude Hospital, 17 patients had localized disease (stage I), 10 had regional node involvement (stage II), and the remaining 6 patients had disseminated disease (stage III). Using both Clark's level and Breslow's thickness as indicators, the incidence, initial stage, prognosis, and survival were compared. By Clark's level, 7 patients, (6 of whom were stage I) were level II or III, and 22 patients were level IV or V. Though 16 of 22 level IV and V patients were initially stage I, 10 patients eventually developed progressive disease. Similar observations were noted when using Breslow's thickness to evaluate the primary. In 5 of 27 evaluable patients, Breslow's depth of invasion was less than 1.5 mm. All 5 of these patients were diagnosed with stage I disease and have not shown progressive disease.

Melanomas arising in large congenital nevocytic nevi: a prospective study

In 1979 a registry of large (20 cm or more in diameter) congenital nevocytic nevi was established at the NYU Medical Center. To date, 56 patients have been entered. Seven were lost to follow-up. An additional two patients had melanoma on entry into the study and were therefore excluded from the results of prospective following such patients for the development of melanoma. Thus, this report concerns 47 individuals who were followed prospectively for a mean of 53 months, only 1 of whom developed melanoma. This was a 2-month-old girl at entry into the study who subsequently developed Touraine's syndrome. She eventually developed a primary melanoma in the central nervous system and died of metastatic disease at the age of 21 months.

An approach to excision of congenital giant pigmented nevi in infancy and early childhood

Complete prophylactic excision of "large" and "giant" congenital nevocellular nevi (CNCN) often involves multiple surgical procedures begun in early infancy and not completed until late adolescence. Timely use of combined modalities of excision and reconstruction, beginning in infancy, and recognizing the benefits and limitations of each technique in each body region may allow completion of the excision of even the most extensive lesions in early childhood. In addition to minimizing the risk of malignant transformation, early complete excision may minimize the late psychologic stress caused by the appearance of the lesion and the late decision to attempt total excision. Tissue expansion and extensive excision and grafting in infancy and early childhood may significantly improve the final cosmetic result following treatment of these extensive lesions.

Melanocytic naevi and melanoma: an epidemiological perspective

There is growing evidence that individuals at high risk of cutaneous melanoma can be identified by the use of simple measures of benign melanocytic naevi--raised risk occurring in persons who have large numbers of naevi, or naevi with atypical clinical features. Very high risk of melanoma appears to exist in two rare groups: persons with dysplastic naevi whose families include at least two individuals who have had melanoma, and persons with giant congenital naevi. Risks of melanoma in other individuals with dysplastic naevi and in persons with small congenital naevi have not yet been quantified. Much of the published work on risk of melanoma in relation to naevi has been based on clinical series or assemblage of case reports, with great potential for bias. In such studies, naevi have often been classified into dichotomies or syndromes originally defined for pathological or clinical purposes, frequently using poorly reproducible criteria. Case-control and cohort studies of the relationship of naevi to melanoma are needed, which use reproducible criteria and designs minimizing bias, and which examine risk in relation to graded clinical and histological measures of naevi.

Melanocytic precursors of cutaneous melanoma. Estimated risks and guidelines for management

There are several recognizable melanocytic precursors of cutaneous melanoma. These precursors include lentigo maligna, dysplastic melanocytic nevi, congenital nevi (of any size), and darkly pigmented lesions of acral surfaces and mucous membranes. Lentigo maligna is an uncommon melanocytic dysplasia, present in 3 per 1000 individuals over the age of 50 years and accounting for 4 percent of all cutaneous melanomas. Dysplastic melanocytic nevi are present in 2 per cent of white adults, and may account for at least a fifth of cases of cutaneous melanoma. Congenital nevomelanocytic nevi are present in 1 per cent of newborns; the vast majority of congenital nevi are smaller than 3 to 4 cm in diameter, while very large congenital nevi are present in 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 500,000 newborns. Very large congenital nevi account for less than 0.1 percent of cutaneous melanomas, whereas small varieties of congenital nevi may account for 15 percent of cutaneous melanomas. If individuals with lentigo maligna live long enough, possibly a third to a half are said to develop melanoma. This figure may be biased high. Persons with dysplastic melanocytic nevi in the familial melanoma setting have an estimated lifetime risk of developing melanoma approaching 100 per cent. Persons with dysplastic melanocytic nevi in other settings may have a lifetime melanoma risk of 18 per cent. Persons with congenital nevi of any size may have a lifetime melanoma risk of at least 5 per cent. Early recognition of these precursor melanocytic tumors, particularly in high-risk individuals (i.e., those with a personal or family history of melanoma), and careful photographic follow-up or prophylactic excision of these lesions may be the most effective means of reducing the morbidity and mortality of cutaneous melanoma. The impact of routine screening and excision of presumed melanoma precursors is unknown. Clinical judgment is required to balance the theoretical risk of melanoma associated with a given precursor and the known risks of surgery and anesthesia for a given individual. It must be kept in mind that the vast majority of acquired melanocytic nevi in adults are harmless. Probably even the majority of dysplastic nevi and small congenital nevi will remain unchanged throughout life. The simple recognition of the existence of melanoma precursors will heighten suspicion for these lesions and raise awareness of the earliest signs of malignant change.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Management of congenital nevocellular nevi

The risk of malignant change in a congenital nevocellular nevus is approximately 10 percent and is the chief indication for early excision. In 90 percent of patients, removal is simple; the remainder present with major cosmetic deformities and are difficult to manage successfully. Seventeen children (newborn to 17 years of age) were treated, including 11 children with localized lesions and 6 children who presented with abnormalities that covered 5 to 50 percent of the total body surface area. In those cases not amenable to primary removal, serial excision was performed at an average of 6 month intervals. Staging was determined by the softening and mobility of the surrounding tissue at follow-up evaluation. No effort was made to provide a cosmetic closure until the final stage. Utilizing this technique, complete removal of congenital nevocellular nevi is possible without the need for disfiguring skin grafts, even for the giant variety. Early excision obviates the risk of malignancy and provides satisfactory cosmetic results.

Age distribution and histologic patterns of dysplastic nevi

A total of 676 dysplastic moles collected from 487 patients over a 1-year period were reviewed together with demographic data. The associated nevus in 642 cases (95%) had a superficial, or "acquired," pattern within the papillary dermis, in comparison with the nevus in the remaining 34 cases (5%), which showed a deep, or "congenital," pattern. The dysplasia was graded in severity as mild, moderate, or severe (on a scale of 1 to 3). When patients with mild to severe dysplastic melanocytic nevi were compared with those patients showing atypical intraepidermal melanocytic hyperplasia (also called in situ malignant melanoma) or early invasive malignant melanoma associated with dysplasia, a progression of ages was noted. The average ages in the five diagnostic groups were as follows: 34.8 years, mild dysplasia (group 1); 35.1 years, moderate dysplasia (group 2); 41.5 years, severe dysplasia (group 3); 44.4 years, in situ malignant melanoma (group 4), and 46.9 years, early invasive malignant melanoma (group 5). Statistical analysis revealed that the two younger groups differed significantly in age from the three older groups. Men and women had an equal proportion of acquired and congenital pattern nevi, but men were older in each category and had more severe dysplasia, a greater tendency toward truncal lesions, and more regressive changes. Biopsy of trunk lesions was done in 275 cases (80%), of extremity lesions in 60 cases (17%), and in head and neck sites in 9 cases (3%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Congenital-nevus-like nevi, nevi spili, and café-au-lait spots in patients with malignant melanoma

The prevalence of congenital-nevus-like nevi (CNLN) in a group of 105 adults who had malignant melanoma (MM) was compared with that in a control group of 601 adults not afflicted by MM. Total cutaneous examinations were performed on both groups. The control group presented with complaints other than pigmented lesions. In this series, 10 (9.5%) of the group with MM had clinically diagnosed CNLN 1.5 cm or larger in diameter. These CNLN were not in contiguity with the MM sites. The 9.5% prevalence of CNLN in the group with MM was significantly higher (p less than 0.005) than the 2.5% CNLN observed in the control population. None of the patients in either group had large congenital nevocytic nevi (greater than or equal to 20 cm). In addition, in the group with MM, 5 patients (4.8%) had nevi spili (NS) and 13 (12.4%) had café-au-lait spots (CLS). The prevalence rates for these two types of pigmented lesions were not significantly different from those observed in the nonmelanoma control group (2.3% for NS; 13.8% for CLS). The relative risk for developing MM is 4.1 in people with CNLN compared with those without CNLN, which indicates that these nevi may be markers for individuals prone to develop malignant melanoma.

Large acquired nevocytic nevi induced by the Koebner phenomenon

A patient with characteristic clinical, histopathological, ultrastructural and family history of epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) developed large acquired nevocytic nevi at the sites of some healing blisters. An isomorphic reaction may have initiated the development of these nevi. Such large acquired nevi should be considered in the differential diagnosis of large and giant congenital nevi which have the potential to evolve into malignant melanoma.