Nevus Outreach, Inc.

The Nevus Outreach, Inc., (NOI) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization formed in 1997 by a group of parents dedicated to improving medical knowledge and treatment for individuals with giant congenital nevi and related disorders such as neurocutaneous melanosis. Giant congenital nevi are large, darkly pigmented moles or birthmarks (nevi) that are present at birth (congenital). Although such nevi may vary in size and shape and may cover any area of the body, they are often present on the chest, the shoulders, the upper back, the area covered by bathing trunks, the lower arms and legs, and/or various areas on the face and/or scalp. Individuals with giant nevi have an abnormally increased risk of developing malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer. In addition, the nevus cells that appear on the skin may form in the central nervous system (neurocutaneous melanosis), which may cause neurological abnormalities and potentially life-threatening complications. The Nevus Outreach is committed to providing information, assistance, and support to affected individuals and family members; promoting additional research; and increasing awareness of these conditions among dermatologists and other health care professionals.