A new approach for treatment of congenital melanocytic nevi with hypertrichosis: the Depilendolaser technique

Congenital melanocytic nevi of the face cause substantial psychological and cosmetic problems in affected patients. The treatment of giant congenital nevi has been a long-standing challenge, but currently, various treatment options, such as cryotherapy, chemical peeling, electrical cautery, laser therapy, and surgery, have been tried for the treatment of congenital melanocytic nevi. In this article, we present our experience and the outcomes of the use of controlled carbon dioxide gas as a cryogen in the treatment of congenital melanocytic nevi. This study included 42 patients with varying sizes of congenital melanocytic nevi seen from January 2014 to April 2019. Cryocarboxy surgery was performed in all cases. The average evaluation score of our patients was excellent in 28 (66.6%) cases, good in 9 (21.4%) cases, satisfactory in 5 (12%) cases, and we had no poor results. Cryocarboxy surgery is a good addition to the armamentarium for the treatment of congenital melanocytic nevi. Carbon dioxide is a cheap, non-explosive, and readily available gas.

Congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) is a melanocytic nevus that is either present at birth or appears during the latter stages of infancy 1 .Nevus sebaceous has been described as the hamartomatous locus of an embryologically defective pilosebaceous unit 2 .Here, we describe how we used the pinhole technique with an erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (erbium : YAG) laser to treat nevi le-

Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) are nevi that are present from birth and occur in approximately 1% of newborns. CMN may be cosmetically disfiguring and are at risk for malignant transformation. For these two reasons, CMN are frequently treated. A variety of treatment modalities have been utilized with variable efficacy, including excision, dermabrasion, curettage, chemical peels, radiation therapy, cryotherapy, electrosurgery, and lasers. The current treatment of choice for CMN is surgical excision. However, some CMN occur in cosmetically sensitive areas, where a surgical scar is less acceptable, or in inoperable locations. For these reasons, there has been increasing interest in the potential for laser treatment of CMN. The lasers that have been studied to date for the treatment of CMN include pigment-specific lasers, including ruby (694nm), alexandrite (755nm), and Nd:yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) (1064nm), as well as ablative laser treatment with CO2 laser (10,600nm) and Er:YAG (2940nm). To date, ruby lasers have been studied most extensively in the treatment of CMN. Ruby laser has been shown to improve the cosmetic appearance of some CMN and may be cautiously considered for lesions located in cosmetically sensitive areas that are less amenable to surgical excision. For very large CMN, ruby laser has been tried as an alternative to extensive surgical and grafting procedures. Dual treatment with Q-switched ruby laser and normal mode ruby laser may provide the best outcomes; however, multiple treatment sessions should be anticipated. The practicality and expense of multiple treatments should be discussed with the patient prior to initiating treatment. Importantly, because of the persistence of dermal nevus cells, lifelong follow-up is required for all laser-treated CMN, even those with excellent cosmetic effect.

Objective To valuate the effect of high energy ultrapulse CO2 laser on congenital melanocytic nevi of the orbit. Methods 46 patient with congenital melanocytic nevi of eyelid, 58 le-sions were vaporized with high energy ultrapulse CO2 laser. The area of the largest one was 3.0 cm×6.0 cm, and the smallest one was 0.3 cm×0.3 cm, with average of 1.3 cm×2.0 cm. The depth of the vaporizing reached the layer of lowest skin, even the orbicularis, aponeurosis and conjunctiva of tarsus, till no melanin on the wound in view, tried the best to reserve the normal follicle of eyelash. There was no eschar and bleeding on the wound during the procedure. Followed up lasted for 1 - 56 months, with average 12.9 months. Results 44 of 46 patients were satisfactory to the effect of the laser. The most of scars resulted from the vaporizing with the laser became evenness and smooth (50/58). The edge of eyelid looked normal after the laser. The excellent result was observed in 84.5 % (49/58) lesions, good in 10.3 % (6/58), and improved in 5.2 % (3/58). The overall effect was 94.8 % (55/58). And eyelashes were getting growth. Conclusion The treatment of con-genital melanocytic nevus of eyelid with high energy ultrapulse CO2 is a good method. But to be careful in selecting the lesions that may not he too large. Key words: Laser; Congenital melanocytic nevus; Eyelid

The effect of the normal-mode ruby laser (NMRL) and the combined (normal mode plus Q-switched) ruby laser on congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) was evaluated, and the degree to which both laser treatment regimens remove melanocytes was compared in 15 patients. Each nevus was marked to designate half of the lesion for the NMRL treatment and half of the lesion for combined ruby laser treatment. The efficacy of each laser treatment was correlated with the degree of clinical improvement determined by photographic assessment, histological examination, and melanin reflectance spectrometry before and 3 months after laser treatment. A single treatment using the NMRL with energy fluences of both 20 J per square centimeter and 30 J per square centimeter resulted in a slight, but not significant, improvement in lightening of pigmentation (42.61% and 30.38%, respectively). A better clinical response (excellent to good) and higher percentage of lightening (64.45%-72.43%) was noted in the combined ruby laser-treated areas than the NMRL-treated areas. Histological results showed that the combined ruby laser provided a marked decrease in the number of the nevomelanocytic nests in both the junctional area and the papillary and reticular dermis, whereas the NMRL (with energy fluences of either 20 J per square centimeter or 30 J per square centimeter) caused a decrease in the junctional area and the papillary dermis. None of the nevi had complete clearance of the pigmentation after a single treatment. Therefore, multiple (four to five) treatment sessions are needed to cause complete removal of nevomelanocytic nests in CMN. In conclusion, the combined ruby laser is more effective than the NMRL alone in the treatment of CMN without scarring or textural change of the skin.

Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) and infantile hemangiomas are commonly encountered in newborns and may present diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas for medical practitioners. Herein, we review and discuss these two important clinical entities and focus on core issues and recent advances. Melanoma risk for patients with CMN is greatest in infants with large CMN located on the trunk, CMN greater than 40 cm, and multiple satellite nevi. Recent histological and molecular findings have been described to assist in differentiating benign proliferative nodules arising in CMN from melanoma. Multiple CMN and associated neurological lesions have recently been shown to be due to a single postzygotic mutation in NRAS [neuroblastoma RAS viral (v-ras) oncogene homolog]. Over the last several years, numerous advancements have occurred in redefining the clinical course of infantile hemangiomas, describing clinical syndromes associated with infantile hemangiomas and treating complicated infantile hemangiomas. The nonselective β-blocker propranolol has become first-line therapy for the treatment of complicated infantile hemangiomas. Topical timolol shows promise for the treatment of certain types of infantile hemangiomas. Although most CMN and infantile hemangiomas do not require active intervention, understanding which lesions may impact the overall health of the infant assists in early intervention. This article touches on core concepts in the clinical evaluation and treatment of CMN and infantile hemangioma.

Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) are benign nevomelanocytic proliferations that are present at birth. CMN are commonly classified according to their size and the management of CMN is diverse, including excision, dermabrasion and laser treatment. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of laser therapy for CMN in cosmetically sensitive and anatomically critical areas. In the present case, combination treatment with intense pulsed light (IPL) and erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser was used, and its effectiveness was evaluated. A 56-year-old man with a CMN on the left malar area was treated with combined IPL and Er:YAG laser treatment once monthly. After ten sessions of treatment, the lesion showed improvement leaving only a grayish hue. Thus, we report a case of CMN on face that was successfully treated with combined IPL and Er:YAG laser treatment.

Melanocytic nevi are congenital, benign, pigmented proliferations. They have high risk of malignancy, most frequently transform to malignant skin melanoma and 70% it occurs in the first life decade. The risk of malignant transformation increases proportionately to their size. The best way to avoid those risks is early and radical excision. In 1996 on the market appeared the Integra™ artificial skin, has made it possible to improve the methods for the elimination of large congenital nevi and significantly reduce the risk of malignant melanoma, at an early age.
 2011–2019, in Children’s Hospital, Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics, the Integra™ was used to treat congenital melanocytic nevi in four children. Implantation of the skin substitute Integra™ has been successful for all the patients, the prognosis was good.
 The treatment of congenital melanocytic nevi is a necessity to avoid the risk of developing malignant melanoma. The rarity of this condition has led to the fact that so far there is no universal approach for all the cases. Integra™ artificial skin is an excellent choice for the treatment of congenital melanocytic nevi, especially for paediatric patients.

Introduction: Congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) is a severe challenge for dermatology. This pigmented skin lesion is undesirable for patients because of its localization in open areas of the body. Various visible and near-infrared laser systems and intense pulsed light (IPL) sources have been applied for CMN treatment. However, post-traumatic hyperpigmentation, structural changes, atrophy, and scarring due to non-specific thermal damage have been observed. Many patients have shown recurrence after treatment. Therefore, it highlights the need for testing new laser modalities for the management of CMN. Methods: Two adult II Fitzpatrick phototype patients (a 55-year-old male and a 30-year-old female) with middle-sized facial CMN (on the forehead and lower eyelid) are presented. All patients were treated with dual-wavelength copper vapor laser (CVL) radiation at 511 nm and 578 nm wavelengths with a power ratio of 3:2. The average power was 0.7-0.85 W with an exposure time of 0.3 seconds. The spot size amounted to 1 mm. Results: Both patients showed complete resolution of CMN after CVL treatments. CMN became crusted within a few days after the laser treatment and peeled off within seven days. No recurrences were observed during the follow-up period up to 24 months. Conclusion: The middle-sized CMN can be successfully treated with dual-wavelength CVL radiation.

BackgroundThe birth of a child with a congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) can lead to distress in the parents. Surgical treatment of CMN can begin in infancy.ObjectivesTo provide insight into the perspective of parents of children with CMN regarding their experienced psychological burden and motivation to undergo surgery as well as their satisfaction.MethodsRetrospective analysis of patient data of infants (< 1 year of age), who were surgically treated by power stretching for CMN using subcutaneous infiltration anesthesia (SIA) from 01/01/2020 to 08/31/2021. To evaluate the parent’s motivation and psychological burden during the surgical treatment of their child, a questionnaire was designed to interview them in a standardized telephone-based interview.ResultsOut of 45 interviewed parents, 62.2% indicated “severe” or “very severe” distress at the time of their child’s birth. Distress was mostly reduced by information about diagnosis and treatment (n = 34) and treatment-progress (n = 27). Stigmatization was experienced by 35.6% of parents. 84,5% of parents were highly satisfied with early initiation of surgical therapy. 69% felt “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the outcome of surgery. Motivation for surgical therapy was concern about malignant transformation of the, possible stigmatization of the child due to the nevus, while most of the parents (73.3%) mentioned both.ConclusionsSurgical treatment of CMN by power stretching in SIA in infancy is associated with high levels of satisfaction among the children’s parents. Early initiation of surgical therapy and education about the diagnosis can reduce the psychological burden of the parents and can prevent psychosocial problems in affected children.

Nevi represent congenital hamartomatous malformations of various components of the skin. The most common forms are congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) and nevi of epithelial origin (epidermal and organoid nevi). Large CMN in particular can lead to severe complications and the management of those affected represents a challenge from birth. In contrast to previous assumptions, the risk of malignancy from CMN is considered to be relatively low however, this may be relevantly increased in certain situations. Possible extracutaneous symptoms in cases of central nervous system (CNS) involvement should not be underestimated and early imaging investigations are part of the routine diagnostic procedure. Surgical measures are still very important in the treatment of CMN but the indications must be weighed up for each individual case. Patients often experience marked stigmatization due to disfigurement by their birthmark and this needs to be taken into consideration for their treatment. The most common epithelial nevi are sebaceous nevi. In 2-13% of cases additional tumors occur within this nevus and early surgical excision is indicated in most cases, not least for aesthetic reasons. If generalized spreading of epidermal nevi occurs, additional investigations are necessary to exclude associated ophthalmological, cardiac or neurological malformations.

Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) that occur on the eyelid and periorbital region cause cosmetic disfiguring. Laser treatment has aroused interest as an alternative treatment method, and resurfacing lasers have shown promising results. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of carbon dioxide laser and erbium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser to treat CMN of the eyelid and periorbital region. Twenty patients with CMN were included in this study and were treated with either the CO2 or erbium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser. Clinical efficacy outcomes were evaluated by visual assessment and L*a*b* color space evaluation at least 6 months after treatment. The average (SD) visual evaluation improvement, assessed on a 5-point scale, was 2.8 (1.27). The mean (SD) values of the relative L* improvement rate and blanching rate of the CMN lesion were 32.0% (47.9%) and 34.1% (36.2%), respectively. Spearman rank correlation coefficient between the objective and subjective evaluations was significant (P < 0.001). Three cases developed partial hypopigmentation. No patient developed hypertrophic scars. The outcomes after laser treatment were variable, although half of the patients achieved greater than 50% clearance. It provides an alternative to surgical excision for the removal of CMN in the difficult regions. Surgery excision is inevitable for some patients.

The purpose of this study is to review the published articles regarding different surgical modalities including laser therapy in the treatment of congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN). A systematic review was done using several databases including PubMed, Ovid Medline, Google Scholar, and Medline to search for articles related to surgical excisions and different treatment modalities of CMN. Fourteen studies were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results have shown that the Q-switched ruby laser therapy was the most commonly used laser therapy to treat CMN. Overall, using laser therapy had positive outcomes in CMN treatment. However, limited knowledge was available regarding patient satisfaction with the outcomes of laser therapy. We concluded that the most acceptable surgical choice was using excision with tissue expanders. Laser-intense pulsed light (IPL) alone and in combination with Erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) has a risk of recurrence. Combination of types of the laser is more effective than a single one.

Cultured epithelial autografts for the treatment of large-to-giant congenital melanocytic nevus in 31 patients.

In recent years, our knowledge of congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) has greatly expanded. This has led to a paradigm shift. The present article represents a commentary by an interdisciplinary group of physicians from German-speaking countries with extensive experience in long-term care and surgical treatment of children and adults with CMN (CMN surgery network, "Netzwerk Nävuschirurgie", NNC). The authors address aspects such as the indication for treatment as well as treatment planning and implementation under these new premises. Adequate counseling of parents on conservative and/or surgical management requires an interdisciplinary exchange among physicians and individualized planning of the intervention, which frequently involves a multi-stage procedure. Today, the long-term aesthetic outcome is at the center of any therapeutic endeavor, whereas melanoma prevention plays only a minor role. The premise of "removal at any cost" no longer holds. Potential treatment-related adverse effects (hospitalization, wound healing disorders, and others) must be carefully weighed against the prospects of a beneficial outcome. In this context, the use of dermabrasion in particular must be critically evaluated. At a meeting of the NNC in September 2018, its members agreed on a consensus-based position on dermabrasion, stating that the procedure frequently leads to impaired wound healing and cosmetically unfavorable or hypertrophic scarring. Moreover, dermabrasion is considered to be commonly associated with considerable repigmentation that usually occurs a number of years after the procedure. In addition, the NNC members saw no benefit in terms of melanoma prevention. In the future, physicians should therefore thoroughly caution about the potential risks and often limited cosmetic benefits of dermabrasion.