As a rare disease, Congenital Melanocytic Naevi (CMN) has many different experiences which lead to differing experiences for those affected. For some CMN is found solely on the skin as a dark brown birthmark covering up to 80% of the body and in varying forms, such as flat, raised, lumpy, hairy, itchy and fragile. There is also a small increase in the risk of developing melanoma when CMN is present on the skin.
However, CMN can also affect body systems beyond the skin, causing neurological problems and medical complexities, which in the worst cases can be fatal. These experiences are not exclusive to one another e.g. someone with raised, lumpy CMN could also experience neurological complications. What is key to remember, as a mosaic disorder, CMN must be present on the skin if it is to be present internally.
Different experiences of CMN have different risks of melanoma; the overall absolute risk for all CMN is low. However, when melanoma does develop in CMN it is highly aggressive.
Read more here: Experiences of CMN – Caring Matters Now
