A pigmented lesion present since birth prompted the parents of this 3-year-old to seek medical care. They noted recent changes: the development of “bumps” in a formerly “flat” lesion.
A 3-year-old girl was brought by her parents for advice regarding a pigmented lesion that had been present since her birth. The parents noted recent changes in its appearance--namely the development of “bumps” within a formerly “flat” lesion.
Key point: While not precisely quantifiable, large congenital nevi carry a risk of malignant degeneration. In this case, the lesion was clearly biologically active, having already developed exophytic extensions. My recommendation was for complete removal.
Treatment: Following the use of tissue expanders, surgical excision was done in a staged manner.
Note: While laser ablation has been championed by some experts, the latter approach is a blind procedure; nests of cells may remain deep in the skin, under scar tissue. Should melanoma develop, its recognition may therefore be delayed.
Recognize & Refer: Hemangiomas in pediatrics
July 17th 2019Contemporary Pediatrics sits down exclusively with Sheila Fallon Friedlander, MD, a professor dermatology and pediatrics, to discuss the one key condition for which she believes community pediatricians should be especially aware-hemangiomas.
Young woman with tick bites presents with erythematous papules, headaches, and fatigue
April 8th 2024A young woman with no significant past medical history returns from hiking with several white-spotted ticks and experiences erythematous papules, rashes, headaches, and fatigue. What’s the diagnosis?
Tapinarof cream 1% demonstrates efficacy in atopic dermatitis patients with skin of color
March 8th 2024Data from a pair of identical, phase 3, double-blind, randomized, and vehicle-controlled trials were presented at the 2024 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting in San Diego, California.