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Alternative Names Return to top
Congenital giant pigmented nevus; Giant hairy nevusDefinition Return to top
A bathing trunk nevus is a dark colored, often hairy patch of skin that is present at birth.
Causes Return to top
Bathing trunk nevi are thought to be caused by defects or problems that occur as a baby grows in the womb. However, in some families bathing trunk nevus may be inherited.
Bathing trunk nevus may occur with:
The risk of this condition is thought to be 3 - 7%.
Symptoms Return to top
Exams and Tests Return to top
All birthmarks should be evaluated by your health care provider. A biopsy of suspicious areas may be obtained for examination to determine if the cells have become cancerous. An MRI of the brain might be performed.
Treatment Return to top
Treatment consists of surgery to remove the nevus. Skin grafting is done when necessary. Extremely large nevi may be removed in several stages. Although surgical removal is the treatment of choice, lasers can also be used to improve the appearance.
Steroid medications may be used, but they can have side effects.
Psychological treatment can help with the emotional impact of having a disfiguring disorder.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Bathing trunk nevi are not serious, unless the nevus turns into skin cancer (malignant melanoma).
Possible Complications Return to top
Rarely, bathing trunk nevi occur with a condition that causes a growth of pigment-producing cells in the head (leptomeningeal melanocytosis). Complications include:
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
This condition is usually diagnosed at birth. 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.
Update Date: 10/3/2008 Updated by: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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Page last updated: 29 January 2009 |