Is surgery always necessary for halo nevi?
Disease description:
My son is fifteen years old this year. Recently, white patches have appeared on his skin. After examination at the hospital, he was diagnosed with halo nevus. The doctor said that surgery is needed. Is surgery absolutely necessary for a halo nevus?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Halo nevus does not necessarily require surgery; however, surgical treatment is one of the effective methods. A halo nevus is a special type of vitiligo, primarily characterized by localized pigment loss around a pigmented nevus, which may be accompanied by mild itching. The choice of treatment depends on the type and location of the halo nevus, as well as the individual patient's condition.
If the halo nevus is large or carries a risk of malignant transformation, surgery may be the best treatment option, as it allows for direct removal of the lesion and reduces the likelihood of recurrence. For small, superficial halo nevi, nonsurgical treatments such as cryotherapy, laser therapy, and chemical ablation can also be viable options. Additionally, for some patients, observation may be a reasonable approach, involving regular monitoring of the halo nevus for changes and implementing further treatment when necessary.
