birthmark

[Portia]

My son has recently been born with a large black birthmark on his back, which was checked out in the hospital. We were told this was fine but I mentioned it to the Registrar before we were discharged and we have been referred to a dermatolgist who has suggested that although theres nothing sinister lurking behind the mark, its a mole and may need removing sooner rather than later.Apparently research shows this can develop into cancerous cells in later life. So we're now waiting for an appointment for further advice at Alder Hay.

As hes only 2 weeks old, I feel quite down about it all. Rationally, I know we've been reassured but I feel very protective of him and dread the thought of an op. Does anyone else have any experience of this type of thing ?

Hi Portia! Have they given you a name for it? My ds2 has a large "hairy naevus" on his lower back/top of his bum. It's about 2" in diameter, and is dark brown/black and very hairy. We have to keep an eye on it, as they can sometimes start to change and cause problem, and may need removing ... it won't disappear by itself. In particular we have been told to make sure it isn't exposed to sunlight.

I don't know if what your ds has is similar to this, or not. The one thing no-one told me was that it wouldn't grow. So when he was born it was the same size - c. 2" in diameter, which seemed HUGE on a newborn - seemed to cover a quarter of his back/bum ... but he is now a lanky almost 5-yr-old, and it's still 2" in diameter, but in proportion to the rest of his body it seems less consequential.

I don't know anyone who's had one removed actually. Have you any idea of the timescale? "Sooner rather than later" could mean anything. It doesn't necessarily mean they are going to operate on your baby whilst he's still tiny.

Have you seen the other current thread on birthmarks?

Hope you're feeling better about it today. Is it just this that is getting you down, or is there other stuff going on?

I had a largish brown mole on my neck at birth (I think! It had always been there as long as I could remember) It was probably only about 1cm round though - like Roisin says, it was always 1cm round, it never grew. I only had it removed aged 23 simply as a precautionary measure so I can't see that "sooner" would mean when your baby is tiny. They'll probably just want to assess it at the appointment and then go from there - as it's on his back it won't generally be exposed to sunlight so that shouldn't be a problem.

As for the op. Mine was removed simply under a local anaesthetic (although I'm not sure they'd do this for children because of squirming!) It didn't hurt at all afterwards and I have a very pale simple scar line. The mole was completely benign ("benign naevus" so there was never anything to worry about anyway. Still, at least I know I don't have to worry about it in the future.

It's only normal to worry and to dread the thought of an operation. Make a list of all your questions ready for the Alder Hay appointment.

Hgs.

Hello

Thanks for your replies which have eased my concerns. I'll check out the birthmark thread. I think its just the lack of info at present which has got my mind working overtime. It looks such a large mark on a tiny baby (he was only 6lbs 9 ounces so he seems small at present !) We've just been told its a mole-no other medical terms-its about 5x4cm but as you say I hadnt appreciated that it probably wont grow with my son as he gets older. The dermatologist talked about removal earlier in childhood and seemed to suggest that could mean whilst he was a baby but he stressed he was no expert in this field which is why we've been referred to Alder Hay. My husband is quite worried and would rather not have this done unless absolutely necessary and I understand his feelings but I would rather not leave anything to chance if there are any risks, so thats whats worrying me long term -having to make a decision if we're not both of the same mind as parents will be a tough call. Its very early days yet though and I should wait till I know the full facts. At least its been followed up medically. I'm probably over-reacting - still tired from lack of sleep which I should be used to -its amazing how much you forget. My daughter's two and a half so I'd moved past the night shift so back to the drawing board !!

Anyway, you've helped put things in perspective!

Cheers.

Glad you're feeling better about it.