Long-term outcomes of laser treatment for congenital melanocytic nevus

Publication date: Available online 15 September 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Yeongjoo Oh, Si-Hyung Lee, Jung Min Lim, Kee Yang Chung, Mi Ryung Roh

Abstract

Background

Although various laser treatments have been tried for CMNs, only small retrospective studies with short-term follow-up had been done to assess outcomes.

Objective

We analyzed the long-term outcomes of laser treatment for CMN and compared the outcomes with the combination treatment of partial excisions and lasers.

Methods

Patients with CMN treated with lasers were retrospectively reviewed and patients with more than 3-year follow-up were grouped as the long-term follow-up group.

Results

A total of 67 cases of CMN were reviewed. Among 20 patients (20/52, 38.5%) with nearly total clearance during laser-only treatment, 11 patients were in long-term follow-up group and 5 of them showed repigmentation. 15 patients showed repigmentation regardless of clearance, and the mean period until repigmentation was 3.93 years from the initial treatment. Patients with combination treatment of partial excision and lasers showed higher Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) scores, less number of laser treatments and shorter treatment period compared to patients with laser-only treatment.

Limitations

This is a retrospective study and various laser devices were used.

Conclusion

More than 4 years of follow-up is required to evaluate the efficacy of lasers in CMN and combination treatment of partial excision and lasers can be an effective treatment option.