Cafe au lait spot

Cafe au lait spot (also known as Cafe au lait macule or CALM) is a flat, pigmented birthmark. The name cafe au lait is French for "coffee with milk" and refers to the color of the spot, which can range from light brown to dark brown.

Description

Cafe au lait spots are often present at birth, but can also develop later in childhood. They are usually round or oval in shape and can appear anywhere on the body. The size of the spots can vary greatly, from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. The color of the spots is usually uniform and does not change over time.

Causes

The exact cause of cafe au lait spots is unknown, but they are thought to be caused by an increase in the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. They are often associated with certain genetic disorders, such as Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and McCune-Albright syndrome.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cafe au lait spots is usually based on their characteristic appearance. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. If a person has multiple cafe au lait spots, further testing may be recommended to check for associated genetic disorders.

Treatment

Treatment for cafe au lait spots is usually not necessary, as they are harmless. However, some people may choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons. Treatment options include laser therapy and cryotherapy.

See also

• Birthmark
• Melanin
• Neurofibromatosis type 1
• McCune-Albright syndrome