Dermatology Follow-up

Good news - Eva has benign acquired nevus(moles).  However, our doctor explained that these moles can become malignant over time so she recommends that they all be removed, the one on her foot and legs.  We have been referred to a pediatric plastic surgeon to get his recommendations and to get this procedure done in a timely matter.  We have some serious traveling plans in July and I will not let the procedure interrupt our plans. 

 

Our appointment is the second week of May with the surgeon.  I hope our consultation will go in our favor.

 

One thing that I learned from the dermatologist is the ABCDEs of melanoma.  These signs are:

 

A:Asymmetry - One half unlike the other half

B: Border - Irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.

C: Color - Varied from one area to another; shades of tan & brown, black; sometimes white, red, or blue.

D: Diameter - While melanomas usually are greater than 6mm (size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller.

E: Evolving - A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.

 

"Benign" refers to a condition, tumor, or growth that is not cancerous. This means that it does not spread to other parts of the body. It does not change or destroy nearby tissue. Sometimes, a condition is called benign to suggest it is not dangerous or serious.  (1)

 

While melanoma is rare in young children, it is helpful for parents to know that there are different types of moles. Most moles are harmless, but there are a few types that should be examined by a dermatologist just to be sure. (2)

 

References:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melanoma

(2) http://www.skincarephysicians.com/skincancernet/moles_children.html