Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN), typically referred to as birthmarks, can be small, large, and giant. Concerns about CMN are twofold – the cosmetic appearance and its impact on quality of life and whether CMN may eventually develop into melanoma. Studies have shown varied risk as to whether they will develop into melanomas, but current research puts the number of children born with large nevi who develop melanoma later in life to be between 0.7–2.9%.

Complete excision of CMN is not recommended due to their size and thickness...read full article.