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Congenital nevus on the abdomen
Congenital nevus on the abdomen
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Bathing trunk nevus

Alternative Names:
Congenital giant pigmented nevus; Giant hairy nevus

Treatment:

Treatment consists of surgery to remove of the nevus, with skin grafting where necessary. Extremely large nevi may be removed in several stages.

Psychological treatment may be needed to deal with the emotional impact of having a disfiguring disorder.



Expectations (prognosis):

Except when the nevus transforms into malignant melanoma, bathing trunk nevi are compatible with a normal life span.



Complications:

On rare occasion, bathing trunk nevi are associated with a condition called leptomeningeal melanocytosis (growth of pigment-producing cells in the head), which can produce hydrocephalus, retardation, motor abnormalities, and seizures.

Bathing trunk nevi can become melanoma. They can also be associated with spina bifida, meningocele, other nevi, lipomas, and neurofibromatosis.

Depression and other emotional problems may occur due to social difficulties related to bathing trunk nevi.



Calling your health care provider:

This condition is usually diagnosed at birth. Call for an appointment with your health care provider (or mention it during a well-baby exam) if your child has a large pigmented area anywhere on the skin.



Review Date: 12/27/2002
Reviewed By: Hebe Molmenti, M.D., Ph.D., Private Practice specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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