Treatment of large congenital naevi. A review and report of six cases.

To minimize the significant risk of early malignancy, and to obtain acceptable cosmetic results we have treated five infants with large congenital naevi by full-thickness resection of the thickest part and superficial excision of the remaining parts of the naevus. The treatment was followed by rapid healing with little pigmented skin and minimal scarring. One patient treated at the age of six years showed a less favourable cosmetic result. Our experience confirms that the major part of the potentially malignant tissue can be removed and a greatly improved appearance achieved by early surgery. Additional surgery is usually necessary and should be completed before school age to prevent permanent psychological and social effects. Large congenital naevi are rare and difficult to treat. Their treatment should be centralised to regional hospitals that serve large populations.