This site is concerned with congenital nevi, primarily congenital giant nevi, more specifically, those greater in size than 20 square centimeters.

As the risk of malignancy in congenital nevi has been variably stated as being 0 to 42 percent, the majority of published reports would suggest that the incidence of malignancy in congenital giant nevi is between 2 and 10 percent. At NYU medical center, this incidence is approximately 5 percent.

The reasons for removal of congenital nevi are to prevent malignancy (melanoma), to improve the cosmetic appearance, and to avoid psychological consequences.

Giant nevi that have a high risk of malignancy during early childhood should be removed during childhood.

Most giant nevi can be removed by surgical resection, which involves partial excisions, flaps, or tissue expanders.

Dr. Barry Zide has treated multiple nevi of this type successfully. He has been a member of the NYU Cooperative Melanoma Group and is a Professor of Surgery at NYU Medical Center. Click Here to see some of the patients that have been treated this way.

To make an appointment, you can email Dr. Zide Here, or call his office at 212-421-2424.

New: Dr. Zide encourages patients to email photos to him for a free online consultation. Please simply attach photos to the email, and send to photos@giantnevus.com.