Moles

[samsmom]

My daughter was born with a light brown flat mole on her left shoulder. When she was about 3 years old I noticed a black spot forming in the middle of it. Then when she was about 4 and a half there were three black dots in it. I showed it to her Dr. at that time and she said it should be ok and even made a joke about the fact that the dots looked like a face (two eyes and a nose). She is now 5 and almost all of the mole has turned black and has gotten a little rough in texture. Should I be worried about it changing color or does that happen with moles that you are born with? I haven't showed the Dr. since the whole thing has turned black should I? My worst fear is of course melanoma. Is that possible with a child of only 5 years? Thanks to anyone who could give me any insight into this!

[quigs]

Hi, my daughter was also born with a flat brown egg-shaped mole on her scalp. We were advised to have it removed (three professional opinions). You might want to refer to my recent post (by quigs).

I strongly suggest that you take her to a pediatric dermatologist (specialist). Insist that your doctor give you a referral in your area. I have two friends (early 30's with melanoma right now), and my daughter's mole removal was to prevent a 6% chance of it changing to melanoma in her toddler or puberty years.

Better safe than sorry! Good luck.

[samsmom]

Thank you for your thoughts. I still haven't had the Dr. look at the mole again although twice since I posted this I have had two different family members comment on how different the mole looks and that I should have it looked at. I just don't want to seem like a crazy overprotective mom that worries about nothing (that is the response I usually get when I call the Dr. about other things) but on the other hand I do not want to risk my daughters health. I will take your suggestion and story into concideration and I do appreciate your response to this. I hope everything works out well for your daughter, I wish I could give you some incite into your situation, sorry.