Surgical treatment of nevus-like benign melanocytic tumors in the head and face.

Abstract

Objective To observe the treatment outcome of different surgical strategies in nevus-like benign melanocytic tumors with various size and shape in the head and face. Methods A total of 180 cases with nevus-like benign melanocytic tumors received surgical treatment from February 2005 to February 2008. The following surgical strategies were selected, including direct excision, partial excision, skin grafting, skin soft tissue expanding and application of local flaps (inter-flap, diamond-shaped flap, A-T flap, kite flap, etc), to treat skin lesions in the head, nose, cheek and eyelid. All patients were followed up for 3 to 6 months. Results The incisions for direct and partial excision were well healed without infection or recurrence. Of those cases treated with local flaps or expander, 3 (1 on the face and 2 on the head) experienced recurrence, 2 on the head suffered from post-operational infection. Conclusion To select different surgical strategies according to lesion size, sites and shape may lead to a favorable cosmetic result in the treatment of nevus-like benign melanocytic tumors in the head and face. Key words: Nevus; pigmented; Surgery; plastic