A congenital pigmented or melanocytic nevus is a dark-colored, often hairy patch of skin. A congenital nevus is present at birth or appears in the first year of life.

A giant congenital nevus is smaller in infants and children, but it usually continues to grow as the child grows. A giant pigmented nevus is larger than 8 inches once it stops growing.

Surgery to remove the nevus is done if possible. Skin grafting is also done when needed. Larger nevi may need to be removed in several stages.

Skin cancer may develop in about 1 in 6 people with large or giant nevi. The cancer risk is higher for nevi located on the back or abdomen.

Before/After Picture(s):

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Surgery Picture: