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Congenital Nevus about 2cm
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Congenital Nevus about 2cm

› Forums › Pediatric & AYA Melanoma Community › Congenital Nevus about 2cm

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    • January 20, 2024 at 6:25 pm
    Eudo
    Participant
      Hi,

      My son (12y) has a mole (probably congenital nevus) on his shoulder around 2cm x 1cm. As far as we know, he’s had it since he is very little, probably around 2 – 3 years old. We’ve never been worried about it because the doctor said it looks normal. Recently, after hearing numerous of melanoma in our friends’ group, I’ve started feeling anxious about this. I’ve started measuring it 2 years ago and the size hasn’t changed much (if at all). Also we just recently had it checked the doctor and they did not notice anything abnormal.

      I know it’s very rare that it could turn into melanoma, however I always have that anxious feeling that it could turn into melanoma. Should it be removed for a piece of mind? Do you know anyone that has a mole that size and keep it into their adulthood and whether it became a melanoma or stay benign.

      Thanks

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        • February 12, 2024 at 9:21 am
        Miriam Kadosh
        Keymaster
          General guidance for congenital nevi (CMN) in children: unless there are melanoma specific features or features worrisome for melanoma, we do not recommend prophylactic removal of CMN during childhood or adolescence (or at any time), especially for those of smaller size; The risk of melanoma developing in a small sized, or smaller sized medium CMN is very low, over one’s lifetime, albeit it is no zero. When melanoma does develop, based on the current literature, it is more likely to develop in later decades of life, like the 60’s, and develops at the borders of the lesion, like a typical adult melanoma.
          Most melanomas develop de novo, in general, in fact, meaning from a spot of normal skin and not a mole someone has had all their lives.
          Checking CMN once a year at the PCP is recommended and if there are concerning changes or symptoms, definitely see a dermatologist right away (ideally a pediatric one until he is closer to 18).
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