A bathing trunk nevus is a large, pigmented, mole-like birthmark. It usually covers an extremely large area of the body, often in the area covered by a pair of bathing trunks. It is often covered with hair.
A collection of mole, or nevus, cells forms a very large brown mole during development in the womb. The bathing trunk nevus is present at birth.
Symptoms of a bathing trunk nevus may include: a brown molelike birthmark covering an extensive area of the trunk or legscolor varying from brown to blue-blackhair growing from the molesmaller lesions near the large molesurface texture varying from smooth to warty
Although the cause of bathing trunk nevus is unknown, there may be a hereditary factor in some cases.
There is no known prevention for a bathing trunk nevus.
The healthcare provider can diagnose a bathing trunk nevus when he or she examines the characteristic birthmark. A biopsy may be done to determine if the cells have become cancerous.
A bathing trunk nevus may develop into melanoma, a particularly serious form of skin cancer. The cosmetic appearance may cause psychosocial problems.
There are no risks to others.
The lesion must be carefully monitored for any changes in color or texture. Surgery to remove the nevus may be recommended to prevent the development of melanoma.
Surgery may cause bleeding, infection, and allergic reactions to the anesthesia.
After the nevus is removed, the area needs to be watched closely for signs of infection.
A bathing trunk nevus should be closely monitored by the healthcare provider. The affected person, or the family, should report any changes in texture or color to the healthcare provider.
Skin Disorders: Mosby's Clinical Nursing Series, MJ Hill, 1994.
