Choroidal nevus is one of the most common benign melanocytic tumor. The prevalence rate of choroidal nevi is 0.15% - 10.00%, which is high among whites and low among colored people, and is obvious higher in male than that in female. Secondary changes in the surrounding retina of the benign tumor, such as subretinal fluid and choroidal neovascularization, may result in vision loss. This benign tumor carries risks for transformation into malignant melanoma. The factors predictive of transformation into melanoma included greater thickness, subretinal fluid, visual symptoms, orange lipofuscin pigment, tumor location (tumor margin near optic disc), ultrasonography hollowness and absence of halo. Early identification of the related features which impair visual acuity is important for early treatment and better prognosis, and it is especially important to monitor the tendency of malignant transformation. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) could provide detailed information which aid in diagnosing, differentiating and monitoring of choroidal nevi. OCT and optical coherence tomography angiography are emerging as excellent techniques to investigate choroidal melanocytic lesions. The treatment modalities, such as laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy and intravitreal anti-vascular endothelium growth factor, have been proved to be effective for choroidal nevi with secondary changes. In the future, the relevant researches should be imposed to provide more detailed information in order to explore the nature and characteristics of this disease.
Nevus flammeus is a skin disease caused by congenital skin capillary malformation. In recent years, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been proved to be effective and safe for this disease, but significant pain in the treatment process is the biggest obstacle to the implementation of this therapy. This article reviews the current pain management strategies in PDT. The current pain management methods include topical anesthesia, cold air analgesia, nerve block and others. Topical anesthesia has weak analgesic effect and short duration in PDT. Cold air analgesia is simple and feasible, but there is potential risk of affecting the treatment effect. The analgesic effect of nerve block is accurate, but the application scenario is limited. For nevus flammeus patients who need PDT, individualized analgesia should be selected according to the patient’s age and treatment scenario.
Objective To observe the effectiveness of skin graft combined with thorax wire fastening for repairing postoperative coloboma after resection of chest back giant nevus. Methods Between June 2007 and October 2010, 17 cases of chest back giant nevus were treated. There were 7 males and 10 females, aged from 3 years and 6 months to 15 years(mean, 8 years). The size of giant nevus was 20 cm × 12 cm to 60 cm × 50 cm. Two cases of them were ever treated by laser, while the others were never treated. The check before operation showed ulcer of the skin and effusion in 2 cases, hard skin in 3 cases, hair growth in 7 cases, and normal in 5 cases. Five cases had serious itch. After giant nevus was cut off, thorax wire was fastened to reduce the wound area, and then the intermediate spl it thickness skin graft of thigh was used to repair the wound. Comprehensive anti-scar treatment was given postoperatively. Results The wound size was (2 110.74 ± 725.69) cm2 after resection of giant nevus, and was (1 624.94 ± 560.57) cm2 after thorax wire fastening, showing significant difference (t=9.006, P=0.001). All the grafting skin survived; the incision and wound at donor site healed by first intention. The patients were followed up 6 months to 2 years (mean, 13 months). No scar prol iferation or contracture occurred. The skin color and elasticity were similar to the normal skin; the nipple, navel, and other local apparatus were not shifted after operation. Conclusion It can reduce donor site of skin and postoperative scar, and achieve satisfactory appearance to cover the wound by skin graft combined with thorax wire fastening after chest back giant nevus was cut off .