A Case Report of a Giant Epidermal Nevus on the Scalp

Bae, In Ho; Eun, Seok Chan; Baek, Rong Min

Abstract

PURPOSE
Epidermal nevi are hamartomas of the skin with multiple clinical variants. Normally, epidermal nevi present at an early age, are found on the head and neck area, and have a female predominance. Only very rarely do epidermal nevi have an adult onset. Most lesions are small and giant Epidermal nevi (> 5 cm at its greatest diameter) are quite rare. Huge verrucous plaque was observed on the scalp of a 70-year-old man. He had been reclusive for a long time, and this problem might have played a crucial role in the development of the giant epidermal nevi.
METHODS
A punch biopsy and MRI imaging were performed. The huge mass was resected. A local flap and split thickness skin graft was used for reconstruction.
RESULTS
The histology examination revealed the characteristic findings of epidermal nevus. Postoperatively, the patient did not suffer from complications or recurrence.
CONCLUSION
A rare case of a huge epidermal nevus on the scalp of an elderly man was treated with a surgical excision. This is the oldest patient reported with an adult onset epidermal nevus in Korea.