What is CMN nevus?

What is CMN nevus?

Moles present from birth, or that develop within the first few months after birth, are called congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN). They are fairly common and, in most cases, they do not cause health problems. However, they can carry risks.

What causes CMN?

CMN are caused by a change in a gene which happens to the baby while it is developing in the womb. A change in a gene is called a mutation. A mutation means that there has been a spelling mistake in the gene, and a gene is just one of the instructions in our body.

Can a CMN be removed?

Many physicians advocate for the surgical removal of congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) believing that it reduces the risk of developing melanoma while at the same time improving the aesthetic appearance.

Is melanocytic nevus benign or malignant?

Melanocytic nevi are benign neoplasms or hamartomas composed of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells that constitutively colonize the epidermis.

Does melanocytic mean melanoma?

Melanocytes: These are the cells that can become melanoma. They normally make a brown pigment called melanin, which gives the skin its tan or brown color.

Is a melanocytic nevus cancerous?

Melanocytic nevi, if diagnosed properly, are biologically stable, completely benign lesions. However, melanocytic nevi can be found in association with melanoma.

Can a nevus become malignant?

A dysplastic nevus may develop into melanoma (a type of skin cancer), and the more dysplastic nevi a person has, the higher the risk of melanoma. A dysplastic nevus is sometimes called an atypical mole.

Can a congenital mole become cancerous?

These moles are frequently found on the trunk or limbs, although they can appear anywhere on the body. Most congenital nevi usually do not cause health problems, but a small percentage may develop into skin cancer (melanoma) later in life.

Is melanocytic melanoma?

Melanocytic neoplasms range from benign lesions, termed melanocytic naevi, to malignant ones, termed melanomas.

Are melanocytes malignant?

Melanoma is a cancer that begins in the melanocytes. Other names for this cancer include malignant melanoma and cutaneous melanoma. Most melanoma cells still make melanin, so melanoma tumors are usually brown or black. But some melanomas do not make melanin and can appear pink, tan, or even white.

Is nevus a tumor?

A benign (not cancer) growth on the skin that is formed by a cluster of melanocytes (cells that make a substance called melanin, which gives color to skin and eyes). A nevus is usually dark and may be raised from the skin. Also called mole.

Should melanocytic nevus be removed?

to the editor: In the article on newborn skin, the authors recommend removal of large and giant congenital melanocytic nevi as the current management strategy. In fact, complete nevus removal is impossible for many large nevi and virtually all giant nevi.

Should I remove congenital mole?

Congenital moles will need to be monitored for skin cancer. Some may also be removed for cosmetic or functional reasons, especially when the placement of a mole causes emotional distress for a child. Surgical excision remains the standard treatment for removing a congenital nevus.

Can you remove a congenital nevus?

Is Removal Possible? Small nevi can be removed by simple surgical excision. The nevus is cut out, and the adjacent skin stitched together leaving a small scar. Removal of a large congenital nevus, however, requires replacement of the affected skin.

What are 4 types of moles?

There are 4 common types of moles: congenital moles, dysplastic nevi, acquired nevi, and spitz nevi. Below are the differences between each.