Birthmarks and Moles

Birthmarks: I. Vascular Nevi

Molecular Basis of Vascular Birthmarks

Vascular anomalies affect up to 10% of newborns, largely because of the high incidence of hemangioma of infancy. Vascular anomalies also frequently occur in adults; there is high prevalence of capillary malformations (0.3%). These cutaneous stains often cause psychosocial problems related to their visibility. Venous malformations occur in the skin and in internal organs and may cause destructio...

Atypical moles.

Atypical moles can be distinguished visually by clinical features of size greater than 6 mm in diameter, color variegation, indistinct borders, and textured surface. All patients who have atypical moles should be counselled about sun avoidance, screening of family members, and regular skin checks at least once per year. Total body photography and dermoscopy can aid in regular skin monitoring fo...

Birthmarks of Potential Medical Significance

Introduction Birthmarks are common ( 8% to 10%) in newborns. Most birthmarks represent vascular and pigmentary lesions. The natural history of these lesions varies from being transient phenomena and essentially normal variants of no clinical significance to permanent cutaneous abnormalities that may be associated with significant systemic complications or diseases. Table 1 lists some neonatal s...

Atypical moles: diagnosis and management.

Atypical moles are benign pigmented lesions. Although they are benign, they exhibit some of the clinical and histologic features of malignant melanoma. They are more common in fair-skinned individuals and in those with high sun exposure. Atypical moles are characterized by size of 6 mm or more at the greatest dimension, color variegation, border irregularity, and pebbled texture. They are assoc...