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Karger Publishers, Dermatology, Suppl. 1(226), p. 7-12, 2013

DOI: 10.1159/000348861

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Management of Small and Intermediate Congenital Nevi: A Nationwide Survey in Italy

This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> Small- and intermediate-sized congenital nevi (SCN and ICN) undergo periodic clinical monitoring or surgical excision. We analyzed the management of SCN and ICN in the Italian hospital network. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A nationwide survey of a representative sample of centers was conducted. Data were analyzed grouping centers by melanoma incidence into high-volume (>25 diagnoses per year) and low-volume (≤25 diagnoses per year). <b><i>Results:</i></b> In the pediatric population, 11% of SCN and 22% of ICN are excised, the remainder undergoing clinical monitoring at intervals of 6 months to 2 years (SCN) and of 6 months to 1 year (ICN). In adults, 24% of SCN and 41% of ICN are excised. Clinical monitoring of SCN varies from 6-monthly (most common among low-volume hospitals) to every 2 years; preferred strategies for ICN are follow-up at 1 year (51%) or follow-up at 6 months (42%). For prophylactic surgery, complete excision is preferred. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The Italian hospital network values management and treatment of SCN and ICN. In most cases natural evolution prompts prophylactic excision. Clinical examination is an important monitoring tool, though follow-up frequency depends on the clinician's experience and practice.