Congenital melanocytic naevi are hamartomas of the neuroectoderm caused by genetic mosaicism. Congenital melanocytic naevi are seen in 1-6% of all live births and commonly classified based on the projected size in adults. Congenital melanocytic naevi appear in different colours, shapes, and sizes, and occasionally present with complications. In this review, we sought to evaluate congenital melanocytic naevi, their clinical, dermatoscopic, and reflectance confocal microscopic features, behavioural pattern over time, new trends in classification, underlying genetic factors and their influence on clinical manifestations and management, associated risks, complications, magnetic resonance imaging findings and their management in the light of recent literature.
Keywords: classification; congenital melanocytic naevi; dermatoscopy; dermoscopy; follow-up; genetics; management; neurocutaneous melanocytosis; reflectance confocal microscopy; surgery; treatment.
© 2021 The Australasian College of Dermatologists.