Large and giant melanocytic nevi of the maxillofacial area in children: features of the morphological structure and surgical treatment

Background. Congenital melanocytic nevus is a benign pigmented neoplasm composed of nevus cells that clinically manifest at birth. When choosing a treatment for nevi, the possibility of recurrence as well as the threat of tumor malignancy should be considered. The aim of this work is to justify the surgical removal of a large and giant nevi of the face as a method of treatment justified by the pathomorphological structure. Materials and Methods. In 40 children of different ages born with large and giant nevi of the face, we used various types of plastic surgery to eliminate any defects formed after the excised nevi. We accounted for the features of the maxillofacial area: local plasty, expander dermotension, and transplantation of free skin grafts. We performed a total of 68 surgical interventions. Sixteen patients underwent the surgery once and 24 patients underwent secondary surgery (from 2 to 4). We also developed a scheme of the staged surgical treatments and conservative methods. Results. All patients had stable positive results that were studied by comparing the outcomes of different surgical treatment options and accounting for various morphological characteristics of the removed nevi.