Follow up to S's appointment with dermatologist

lynnshey · November 2010

As a few of you know, S was born with a congenital nevus on her head - basically it is a large mole. It is uncommon for a baby to be born with such a large one, but it is not rare. The risk to this is that it could turn into a melanoma during her teenage years, so we have to make sure we're staying on top of this.

We've been seeing a pediatric dermatologist every four months so she can keep an eye on it to make sure it hasn't changed. We've done a punch biopsy - no cancer as of yet. We also had an MRI done to make sure it wasn't growning down into her brain - luckily it is staying on the surface. We've also been to a pediatric eye doctor to make sure it isn't impacting her eyes. So far, so good on all of this.

We just had her 4 month check up today. Good thing - the mole has not grown larger in proportion to her head and has not changed shape or texture. Little moles are still appearing on her body, but all are okay color and shape wise. Next step - scheduling a meeting with a pediatric plastic surgeon to see what he thinks and what is involved in removing it. The doctor is still at a 50/50 verdict about having it removed - so far, there is no rush.

I know the doctor is being proactive, but I will admit it is scaring the heck out of me. I'm not good at these "wait and see" games. I know a lot of you have been through treatments and surgeries with your LOs, so you know how I'm feeling......

Daisiesinmygarden · November 2010

GL in your decisions. I hope it stays so well mannered and benign.

Not the same thing for sure, but my son had a weird spot on his cheek. It was the same thing that older (usually balding) men get on their heads. His pedi had me leave it alone until he was a teen then have it removed then. There is no scar and it didn't turn into cancer. I guess the worry was at that time, with all the hormones, it was a likely time for it to grow bigger and/or change.

rsd12 · November 2010

I know how hard the waiting game is, but is sounds like the doctor is trying to keep an eye on the mole & avoid any surgeries. Hopefully it will be fine as she gets older! We can only be hopeful & take it step by step or doctors appt by doctors appt.