Giant melanocytic nevus with malignant melanoma: a rare disorder in a black African child.

INTRODUCTION

Giant congenital melanocytic nevus (GCMN) is rare in babies of African descent. Unfortunately, it has an increased potential for malignant transformation.

REPORT: A 3-year-old female child presented with a 6-month history of multiple nodules on an existing giant congenital melanocytic nevus and swelling in the right axilla of four weeks duration. Skin biopsy of the nodular skin lesions was in keeping with a metastatic malignant melanoma (Clark stage 4). She completed a full course of chemotherapy but subsequently died four months after presentation.

CONCLUSION

Patients with large GCMN should be counseled and followed up appropriately to improve and prolong life.