Indications for excision of nevi and melanoma diagnosed in a pediatric surgical unit.
OBJECTIVE
Childhood melanoma is rare but increasing in incidence. Its management relies on early diagnosis. The purpose of this study is to discuss surgical indications of nevi and diagnosis of melanoma in a pediatric surgical unit.


METHODS
Data relative to the patients who underwent removal of nevi in our pediatric surgical unit from 1999 to 2005 were reviewed to identify indications, histology, and melanoma occurrence.


RESULTS
The most frequent indication was atypical nevus. Compound nevus was the most common finding, followed by congenital and Spitz nevi. Melanoma was diagnosed in 3 excised nevi, and in 1 case it occurred as a metastatic disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data showed a pattern of indications for surgery similar to that described in the literature, with a high detection rate of melanoma, nonetheless showing that some rare conditions may delay diagnosis.
Zangari
Andrea
A
Paediatric Surgery Unit, Salesi Children's Hospital, Ancona, Italy. andreazangari@libero.it
Bernardini
Maria Luisa
ML
Tallarico
Rosella
R
Ilari
Michele
M
Giangiacomi
Mirella
M
Offidani
Anna Maria
AM
Martino
Ascanio
A
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006757:Hospital Units; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D009506:Nevus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*