Café-au-lait spots?
Café au lait spots or cafe-au-lait spots (CAL) are pigmented birthmarks. The name café au lait is French for "coffee with milk" and refers to their light-brown color. They are also called "giraffe spots."
Has anyone heard of these light spots? A previous endo planted the seed in me. I was examined for the spots once, but she concluded that I did not have any...but I see more and more light colored spots appearing everywhere now. I've always had a few birthmarks growing up and freckles due to the sun. But, in reality I have stayed out of the sun for over 15 years. I have an appointment with a dermatologist next month (the soonest a doctor could see me). I don't know if I'm paranoid, but everything new and different just drives me up the wall. If anyone knows what I'm talking about and/or had any experience with them, please let me know.
When I searched the internet, it does not seem to be associated with VHL...I am keeping my finger's crossed that they are just "old age spots", I'll take those gladly.
Thank you.
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Café-au-lait spots?
- By AZ-Patricia
- Posted August 5, 2009 at 8:28 pm · 3 replies
- In Health management issues
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- By mkj
- Posted August 6, 2009 at 9:14 am
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My son had his first surgery to remove a hemangioblastoma from his cerebellum at age fifteen. A couple of days after the surgery a geneticist stopped by to see him on recommendation from our neurosurgeon. He asked us several questions about family history and then examined our boy for moles and such. He has a Café au lait spot on the front of his ankle. The geneticist did recommend testing for VHL. Not necessarily because of the spot, but for peace of mind for all. In literature there does seem to be mention of the spots being a marker that can be related to VHL.
- By AZ-Patricia
- Posted August 6, 2009 at 9:40 am
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Thank you for your response MKJ. I do remember years ago a nickel size spot in my ankle and had the doctor check on it. He told me it was just a new birthmark. It didn't seem right but I've always kept an eye on it. Really I'm the only one that can really see it. But, maybe there is a connection. Thank you again for your response. I appreciate your insight and helps me understand my own spots.
- By TinaDiane
- Posted August 6, 2009 at 10:07 am
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Hi,
There was a question about this in November of last year and Joyce said there was not a connection with these birthmarks and VHL. If you go to the search section at the top of this website and type in VHL and birthmarks, the discussion comes up. I hope this helps!!
Best of health to us all,
Tina
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