Congenital Nevi are present at birth and result from a proliferation of benign melanocytes in the dermis, epidermis, or both. Congenital nevi are present in 1-2% of newborn infants. Congenital nevi are one of several known risk factors for the eventual development of melanoma. By the time a child reaches adolescence, the incidence of melanoma increases substantially, with a rate of 13.2 cases per million children aged 15-19 years.
Dr. Michele Green has trained in both Pediatrics and Dermatology. She has a passion for identifying and preventing melanoma through skin cancer screening and early detection. Through proper patient education, sunscreen, and exams, Dr. Green believes that melanoma should be an entirely preventable disease.
Congenital nevi have been stratified into 3 groups based on size. Small nevi are less than 1.5 cm in diameter, medium nevi are between 1.5 and 19.9 cm in diameter, and large or giant nevi are greater than 20 cm in diameter. These giant congenital nevi place individuals at an increased risk for malignant melanoma at the site. The risk for melanoma has been reported to be 5 to 7% by age 60 years. The risk for developing melanoma in smaller congenital nevi also occurs at puberty or later.
Dr. Green practices skin cancer education and prevention on both children and their parents. Because malignant melanoma is hereditary and only a skin exam can save someone’s life, Dr. Green recommends annual exams to families where there is a history of skin cancer.
Updating...