Giant Congenital Melanocytic NevusSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus
Giant congenital melanocytic nevus is a skin condition characterized by an abnormally dark, noncancerous skin patch (nevus) that is composed of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. It is present from birth (congenital) or is noticeable soon after birth. The nevus may be small in infants, but it will usually grow at the same rate the body grows and will eventually be at least 40 cm (15.75 inches) across. The nevus can appear anywhere on the body, but it is more often found on the trunk or limbs. The color ranges from tan to black and can become darker or lighter over time. The surface of a nevus can be flat, rough, raised, thickened, or bumpy; the surface can vary in different regions of the nevus, and it can change over time. The skin of the nevus is often dry and prone to irritation and itching (dermatitis). Excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis) can occur within the nevus. There is often less fat tissue under the skin of the nevus; the skin may appear thinner there than over other areas of the body.
NRAS gene mutations cause most cases of giant congenital melanocytic nevus. Rarely, mutations in the BRAF gene are responsible for this condition.
Giant congenital melanocytic nevus occurs in approximately 1 in 20,000 newborns worldwide.
This condition is generally not inherited but arises from a mutation in the body's cells that occurs after conception. This alteration is called a somatic mutation. A somatic mutation in one copy of the NRAS or BRAF gene is sufficient to cause this disorder.
Avera Dermatology — Pierre
J Fletcher is a Dermatologist practicing medicine in Pierre, South Dakota. Dr. Fletcher is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus. She is also highly rated in 35 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus, Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma Syndrome, Giant Congenital Nevus, and Neurocutaneous Melanosis. Dr. Fletcher is currently accepting new patients.
Pedram Gerami is a Dermatologist practicing medicine in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Gerami is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus. He is also highly rated in 11 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Melanoma, Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma Syndrome, Tieche-Jadassohn Nevus, and Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus. Dr. Gerami is board certified in American Board Of Dermatology - Dermatology (Certified). Dr. Gerami is currently accepting new patients.
Lake Shore Dermatology
Kavitha Gandhi is a Dermatologist practicing medicine in Park City, Illinois. Dr. Gandhi is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus. She is also highly rated in 33 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Seborrheic Keratosis, Warts, Actinic Keratosis, and Congenital Hypotrichosis Milia. Dr. Gandhi is board certified in American Board Of Dermatology. Dr. Gandhi is currently accepting new patients.
Summary: Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) are a quite common congenital disorder. Over years, surgical excision was proposed to the patients because transformation into a malignant skin tumor (melanoma) was feared. Recent data proof that the risk for malignancy was overestimated. Nowadays still a lot of patients express their wish for surgical removal out of aesthetic reasons and psychological impacts. Ma...
Summary: The primary objective of this study is to identify the molecular identity profiles of all cellular states that characterize the progression from benign nevi to malignant melanoma in CAYA patients with L/GCMN. The secondary objectives are: * To longitudinally characterize the cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from CAYA patients. * To improve the early diagnosis and treatments for intermediate conditions such a...
Published Date: December 01, 2014
Published By: National Institutes of Health