Management of small and intermediate congenital nevi: a nationwide survey in Italy.

OBJECTIVE: 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.

METHODS: 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).

RESULTS: 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.

CONCLUSIONS: 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.