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

Abstract

Little is known about the prevalence and clinical characteristics of genital melanocytic nevi in children. We sought to describe the epidemiology, clinical and dermoscopic features, and natural history of genital nevi in pediatric patients. 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. 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. This was a retrospective chart analysis and questionnaire-based study of a limited number of patients. Increased awareness of the clinical characteristics, dermoscopic features, and evolution ofgenital nevi in children may help to avoid unnecessary surgery.