A site dedicated to individuals and families affected by Congenital Melanocytic Naevus (CMN).

A Congenital Melanocytic Naevus (spelt Nevus or Naevus) is a skin growth present at birth. A rare disorder, it affects around 1 in 20,000 newborns in some form and as few as 1 in 500,000 in its’ most severe form.

It is composed of special pigment producing cells called nevomelanocytes, which are related to the normal pigment producing cells normally found in skin, called melanocytes.
They can exist on any part of the body, and grow in proportion to body growth.

There are several definitions used to refer to the size of a congenital nevus, from small, medium, large or giant.

A giant nevus is one which covers a large portion of an anatomical site, for example scalp, face, arm, leg or back.

Many patients also have multiple nevi called satellite nevi on other parts of their body, and some will continue to develop these over their lifespan.

Most Nevi are brown or black in colour, and have an increased tendency for hair growth. The skin texture can be smooth or leathery and because oil and sweat glands do not form properly within the nevus, overheating can be a problem. The skin is often dry and fragile. Many nevi have tumours just below the skin that give the nevus a lumpy or folded appearance.

OUR SUPPORT
Today Nevus Support Australia Inc. is a registered Not for Profit, tax deductible charity. We have a membership of over 50 families which is growing weekly and incorporates New Zealand and southern Asia.

We are working collaboratively with support groups and researchers around the world and holding regular bi annual conferences so that our very special families can meet each other and share in their journeys.

We produce regular newsletters and run a website www.nevussupport.com . New families are now referred to us by medical professionals or locate us via the website and our hope is that no one ever feels totally alone with this condition.