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Alternative names Return to top
Nevus sebaceous; Hairy nevus; Nevi; Mole; Cafe-au-lait spots; Congenital nevusDefinition Return to top
A birthmark is skin marking present at birth that ranges in color from brown or black to bluish or blue-gray. Birthmarks include cafe-au-lait spots, moles, and mongolian spots. (See also birthmarks - red.)Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Cafe-au-lait spots are a light tan spot, the color of coffee with milk. They may be a normal type of birthmark. The presence of several cafe-au-lait spots larger than a quarter may occur in neurofibromatosis (a genetic disorder that causes abnormal cell growth of nerve tissues).Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Diagnosis is usually made on the basis of the appearance of the skin area. A biopsy may be performed on a removed mole to look for cancerous changes.Treatment Return to top
Treatment varies depending on the type of birthmark and associated conditions. Usually no treatment is required for the birthmark itself.Support Groups Return to top
The Nevus Outreach (www.nevus.org) provides support for patients with large birthmarks.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Congenital nevi have an increased cancer risk and should be examined.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
All birthmarks should be examined by a health care provider to determine the prognosis (probable outcome), course of action, and possible complications.Prevention Return to top
There is no known way to prevent birthmarks. It may be advisable for a person with birthmarks to use a good quality sunscreen when outdoors (to prevent complications). Update Date: 4/17/2003 Updated by: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |