BACKGROUND: Giant congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN) are often disfiguring, potentially malignant pigmented lesions present at birth. Their management is based on two main considerations: attempt to minimize the risk of malignancy and to obtain an acceptable cosmetic result. In the past various approaches have been used to treat these naevi. OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical and histopathological results after treatment of CMN in neonates with erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) laser resurfacing. METHODS: Ten children with CMN were treated with Er:YAG laser resurfacing in the first weeks of life. RESULTS: Laser ablation was well tolerated by all children and immediate results were good. At a total follow-up ranging from 3 to 36 months we saw good results, with no or minimal repigmentation, in eight of 10 patients. Patients experienced minimal side-effects such as postoperative pain, bleeding and scar formation. Postoperative histopathology showed disappearance of heavily pigmented cells in the upper part of the dermis. CONCLUSIONS: Er:YAG laser resurfacing is an effective method of ablating CMN, with minimal scarring and postoperative complications.
BACKGROUND: Giant congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN) are often disfiguring, potentially malignant pigmented lesions present at birth. Their management is based on two main considerations: attempt to minimize the risk of malignancy and to obtain an acceptable cosmetic result. In the past various approaches have been used to treat these naevi. OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical and histopathological results after treatment of CMN in neonates with erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) laser resurfacing. METHODS: Ten children with CMN were treated with Er:YAG laser resurfacing in the first weeks of life. RESULTS: Laser ablation was well tolerated by all children and immediate results were good. At a total follow-up ranging from 3 to 36 months we saw good results, with no or minimal repigmentation, in eight of 10 patients. Patients experienced minimal side-effects such as postoperative pain, bleeding and scar formation. Postoperative histopathology showed disappearance of heavily pigmented cells in the upper part of the dermis. CONCLUSIONS: Er:YAG laser resurfacing is an effective method of ablating CMN, with minimal scarring and postoperative complications.