What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Congenital Pattern-Like Nevus
• Superficial Type of Congenital Melanocytic Nevus
• Tardive Congenital Naevus

What is Congenital Melanocytic Nevus, Superficial Type? (Definition/Background Information)

• A nevus (plural nevi) is a mole on the skin that can occur on any part of the body. A melanocytic nevus is benign tumor of melanocytic (pigment-based) cells that occur on the skin
• Congenital Melanocytic Nevus (CMN), Superficial Type is a common melanocytic mole that is present at birth, on the skin of the baby. It may be present anywhere on the body
• The nevus can be present as a round or oval shaped macule, papule, or plaque on the skin. The cause of Congenital Melanocytic Nevus of the Superficial Type is generally unknown. Research studies have implicated certain genetic mutations as being the probable cause
• Treatment is generally not required for Superficial Type of Congenital Melanocytic Nevus unless it presents cosmetic issues. The prognosis is generally excellent with or without treatment, since these moles are typically benign

Who gets Congenital Melanocytic Nevus, Superficial Type? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Congenital Melanocytic Nevus of the Superficial Type is a common skin condition that is manifested at birth (congenital in nature)
• Both males and females are affected and there is no gender bias observed
• All racial and ethnic groups are at risk and no predilection is noted

What are the Risk Factors for Congenital Melanocytic Nevus, Superficial Type? (Predisposing Factors)

• No risk factors for Congenital Melanocytic Nevus, Superficial Type have been identified

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Congenital Melanocytic Nevus, Superficial Type? (Etiology)

• The cause of formation of Congenital Melanocytic Nevus, Superficial Type is unknown, in a majority of cases
• In many cases, certain genetic mutations involving the BRF gene have been documented. However, no chromosomal abnormalities have been observed

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Congenital Melanocytic Nevus, Superficial Type?

The signs and symptoms of Congenital Melanocytic Nevus, Superficial Type that may be observed include:

• It is a benign tumor of melanocytic cells on the skin (superficial type)
• It is usually well-circumscribed and less than 15 mm in size. These moles/nevi are usually round or oval in shape; although they can be of any shape
• There may or may not be the presence of hair on the skin surface of the mole
• They can be present as a macule, papule, or plaque
  • Papule: A papule is an area of abnormal skin tissue that is less than 1 centimeter around. Usually a papule has distinct borders, and it can appear in a variety of shapes
  • Macule: A macule indicates the presence of a flat, distinct, discolored area of skin less than 1 cm wide. A macule usually does not involve any change in the thickness or texture of the affected skin
  • Plaque: It is a broad, raised area on the skin. A skin plaque is usually broader than it is high
• The benign nevus or mole is usually pigmented. The pigmentation may vary from skin color to light brown to black. The discoloration of the mole is usually uniform
• The tumors may be single or many in numbers
• The Superficial Type of CMN can occur all over the body

How is Congenital Melanocytic Nevus, Superficial Type Diagnosed?

A Congenital Melanocytic Nevus of the Superficial Type is diagnosed through the following tools:

• Complete physical examination with evaluation of medical history
• Dermoscopy: It is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
• Skin biopsy: A skin biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Note:

• CMN that are biopsied may present atypical features on examination under a microscope by a pathologist, which may raise the suspicion of a melanoma (a type of skin cancer)
• In majority of the cases, no biopsy is necessary. But they may be performed to rule out other conditions presenting similar signs and symptoms

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Congenital Melanocytic Nevus, Superficial Type?

There are frequently no complications that arise from a Congenital Melanocytic Nevus, Superficial Type.

• Nevertheless, in some children, it may present cosmetic concerns
• Scratching or itching of the moles may lead to bleeding and ulceration. This can cause secondary bacterial or fungal infections to develop
• Malignant melanomas have been associated with congenital melanocytic nevi. Nevertheless, they (the CMN) are not believed to be premalignant lesions

How is Congenital Melanocytic Nevus, Superficial Type Treated?

The treatment measures for Congenital Melanocytic Nevus, Superficial Type may include:

• The healthcare provider may choose to regularly observe the mole, to check for any atypical features (a “wait and watch” approach may be followed)
• Surgical excision and removal of the mole, if necessary for cosmetic reasons
• The benign mole can also be excised through electrocautery surgical procedure

How can Congenital Melanocytic Nevus, Superficial Type be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a method of preventing the occurrence of Superficial Type of Congenital Melanocytic Nevus.

What is the Prognosis of Congenital Melanocytic Nevus, Superficial Type? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Congenital Melanocytic Nevus, Superficial Type is excellent on its complete excision and removal
• Since these are benign conditions, the prognosis is excellent even if no treatment is provided and only periodic observation maintained
• Current research does not indicate that there is a significant risk for the formation of malignant melanoma from small-sized congenital melanocytic nevi

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Congenital Melanocytic Nevus, Superficial Type:

• Do not pick or scratch the moles
• It is important to note that a congenital melanocytic nevus does not become a melanoma with scratching, itching, or trauma. However, these should be avoided since bleeding and ulceration of skin may cause superimposed infections
• If a mole is present at birth, it is referred to as a congenital mole. If they occur in the first 2 years of life, some healthcare providers call them congenital-type moles