Bathing trunk nevus

Alternative names:

congenital giant pigmented nevus; giant hairy nevus

Treatment:

Present treatment consists of surgery to remove of the nevus, with skin grafting where necessary. Extremely large nevi are removed in several stages.

Expectations (prognosis):

Except when the nevus transforms into malignant melanoma, bathing trunk nevi are compatible with a normal life span.

Complications:

On rare occasion, bathing trunk nevi are associated with a condition called leptomeningeal melanocytosis, which can produce hydrocephalus, retardation, motor abnormalities, and seizures.

Bathing trunk nevi can transform to become malignant melanoma.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider (or mention it during a well-baby exam) if your child has a large pigmented area anywhere on the skin.