About melanocytic nevus?
How common are congenital nevi?
Small melanocytic nevi are very common. One in every 50 to 100 people is born with a small melanocytic nevus. Large congenital nevi occur approximately once in every 20,000 births. Giant congenital nevi are thought to occur approximately once in every 500,000 births.
(Addyson has a giant congenital nevus)
In terms of physical health, pigmented moles have been linked to melanoma, a potentially deadly skin cancer. Also, certain children with large nevi may have melanin, melanocytes and/or nevomelanocytes in their central nervous systems (the brain and spinal cord). This condition is known as neurocutaneous melanocytosis (melanosis) (NCM). Most people with NCM do not have neurological problems. However, some do, and the complications from NCM can be very serious.
What are the medical challenges?
Pigmented moles can be more than skin deep. Challenges include decreased body cooling (fewer functioning sweat glands), and too little fat where the nevus is located. Large nevi can be delicate and tear easily, requiring restricted activity. In a small percentage of cases pigment cells can be found in the brain and spinal cord - a complication of large nevi called neurocutaneous melanocytosis - which can be fatal, but usually is not. People with large nevi have a higher risk of skin cancer. Nevus Outreach is working to identify the exact risk of skin cancer, and is conducting scientific research to find a cure. Since so little is understood about large nevi even by doctors, Nevus Outreach works to educate the medical profession about large nevi.
