Genital melanocytic nevi in children: Experience in a pediatric dermatology practice.

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the prevalence and clinical characteristics of genital melanocytic nevi in children.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to describe the epidemiology, clinical and dermoscopic features, and natural history of genital nevi in pediatric patients.

METHODS

We reviewed charts of 1159 children given the diagnosis of melanocytic nevi over 11 years. Those with genital nevus as a chief symptom were contacted for follow-up.

RESULTS

Among children/adolescents evaluated for nevi, the prevalence of genital nevus was 3.5% (40/1159), with a male:female ratio of 1.3:1. There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, total nevus number, presence of acral and scalp nevi, or family history of dysplastic nevi and melanoma between patients with and without genital nevi. Genital nevus onset was before age 2 years in 63.6% of patients. A globular dermoscopic pattern was observed in 93.3%. Most genital nevi underwent a gradual change in diameter, elevation (becoming soft papules), color, texture, or a combination of these. After median follow-up of 1.5 years, no melanoma or other adverse outcome was observed.

LIMITATIONS

This was a retrospective chart analysis and questionnaire-based study of a limited number of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased awareness of the clinical characteristics, dermoscopic features, and evolution of genital nevi in children may help to avoid unnecessary surgery.