HEALTHNET

Will my baby inherit birthmark on neck same as me?

Most cases of birthmarks occur sporadically, meaning that they happen by chance without antecedent family history.

(Posted on 26 April 2007)

Q1. I have a big birthmark on my neck. What is the chance that my baby will inherit this character?

A1. There are different types of birthmarks. A birthmark can be caused by an abnormal collection of blood vessels or by increased skin pigments. Most cases of birthmarks occur sporadically, meaning that they happen by chance without antecedent family history.

Sometimes birthmarks can be the early manifestation of a hereditary disease that runs in families. Neurofibromatosis, for example, is a genetic condition that is associated with developmental changes in the nervous system, muscles, bones and skin with lumps all over the body. A patient with neurofibromatosis may present birthmarks with coffee-colored patches in the newborn period. A patient would have a 50/50 risk for passing this disorder onto the next generation.

Birthmarks caused by malformation of blood vessels are very common. Very occasionally this type of birthmark may also be inherited in a manner similar to neurofibromatosis. Even in those with a clear family history, there can be great variability in expression of the gene, meaning that the location and the extensiveness of the birthmark are highly variable. Some members of the family may have forgotten about faded birthmarks, or are only minimally affected in areas that they are not aware of.

Your doctor needs to examine your skin condition and obtains a good family history before he can answer your question more precisely.

Q2. I am quite uneasy with the birthmark. How can it be removed?

A2. Is it just unsightly, or are you worried about malignant change in your birthmark?

A type of birthmark called "giant congenital melanocytic nevus" is notorious for carrying a high risk to undergo malignant change. They appear as large, irregular, dark pigmented patches, sometimes with hairs growing on top. Doctors may advise on surgical removal when the risk of malignancy is high. To close the large skin defect after excision, the doctor may make use of skin flaps donated from other part of the body, and the operation may need to be carried out in stages.

For most other types of birthmarks that do not carry an excess risk of malignant change, recent advances in cosmetic dermatology have provided new tools to improve the looks, although complete removal may not always be possible. The result is especially satisfactory with a type of vascular malformations called port-wine stains. Laser technology continues to evolve and can now achieve outstanding results with minimal morbidity. Many pediatricians now advise laser treatment at young age, before these birthmarks have a chance to grow thick and get roughened.

Since different types of birthmarks require different approaches, you should first consult with your doctor, so he/she can then refer you to the appropriate specialist, who is experienced in managing your condition.

Q3. Apart from that, the moles on my face grew darker these years. Why does it happen?

A3. Everyone has moles, and ultraviolet light can increase the number of moles in areas exposed to the sun. Moles are usually brown in color of varying shapes and sizes.

The brown color is caused by melanocytes, which are special cells that produce the skin pigment melanin. As we age, moles can change slowly, both in size, appearance and in color. Some may even grow dark hairs.

Moles can appear darker when there is an increase in the skin pigment melanin. This can happen after exposure to the sun. Moles can also get darker because of hormonal change, for example, in pregnant women or in ladies on contraceptive pills.

After middle age, a person may acquire dark areas which are brown, wart-like growths that appear on the face or trunk. These harmless skin growths are called seborrheic keratoses. They are not moles, but may make your existing moles appear darker and more unsightly.

Certain types of moles have a higher-than-average risk of becoming cancerous. You should consult your doctor if there is a sudden change in the appearance or coloring of your mole. An abrupt change in a mole can be a sinister sign that indicates a form of skin cancer known as malignant melanoma.

Source: Quality HealthCare