Ambulatory serial excision of giant nevi

Abstract

Nevi over the size of a dime at the time of birth should probably be removed. Nevi this size often cannot be differentiated histologically from the true giant nevus that may cover over 50% of the body. Giant nevi have a 2%-30% malignant potential. In order to avoid the morbidity of split-thickness skin grafts when removing the larger nevi, we have been successful in serially excising many nevi as ambulatory procedures. Most moderately large nevi, regardless of their location, can be managed with this method.