Miriam Kadosh

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).

Thank you all for your insights here. We also have a treatment center finder here if you need additional help finding a center near you: https://melanoma.org/treatment-center-finder/

The MRF will be doing a patient and caregiver symposium with Dr. Hamid on February 7th. If anyone is in the area we would love to have you register and join! Reach out to me at [email protected].

Thanks!

Miriam

We are so excited you are joining us, Jenn! @lucas I reached out to you via private message- check it out!