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| Alternative Names: | Nevus sebaceous; Hairy nevus; Nevi; Mole; Cafe-au-lait spots; Congenital nevus
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| Treatment: | Treatment varies depending on the type of birthmark and associated conditions. Usually no treatment is required for the birthmark itself.
Large or prominent nevi that affect the appearance and self-esteem may be covered with special cosmetics.
Moles may be removed surgically if they affect the appearance or if they have an increased cancer risk. Be sure to discuss your options with your doctor to decide how and when to remove any moles.
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| Support Groups: | The Nevus Outreach (www.nevus.org) provides support for patients with large birthmarks.
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| Expectations (prognosis): | Congenital nevi have an increased cancer risk and should be examined.
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| Complications: | - skin cancer
- psychological effects if the birthmark is prominent
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| Calling your health care provider: | All birthmarks should be examined by a health care provider to determine the prognosis (probable outcome), course of action, and possible complications.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if any change occurs in color, size, or texture of a nevus or other skin lesion.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if there is development of pain, inflammation, ulceration, bleeding or itching of a congenital nevus or other skin lesion, or if questions or concerns develop.
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Review Date: 4/17/2003
Reviewed 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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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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