Café au lait spot: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Overview of café au lait spots in medical context}} | {{Short description|Overview of café au lait spots in medical context}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
==Café au lait | | name = Café au lait spot | ||
[[File:NF-1-Tache_cafe-au-lait.jpg|thumb| | | image = [[File:CALSpot.jpg|250px]] | ||
| caption = A typical café au lait spot on the skin | |||
| synonyms = Café au lait macule | |||
| pronunciation = {{IPAc-en|k|æ|f|eɪ|_|oʊ|_|l|eɪ}} | |||
| specialty = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| symptoms = Flat, pigmented birthmarks | |||
| complications = [[Neurofibromatosis type I]], [[McCune-Albright syndrome]] | |||
| onset = [[Congenital]] | |||
| duration = Lifelong | |||
| causes = Genetic factors | |||
| risks = Family history of [[genetic disorders]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[Genetic testing]] | |||
| differential = [[Freckle]], [[Lentigo]], [[Melanocytic nevus]] | |||
| treatment = None required, [[Laser therapy]] for cosmetic reasons | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
[[File:NF-1-Tache_cafe-au-lait.jpg|thumb|left|A café au lait spot on the skin]] | |||
A '''café au lait spot''' is a type of [[pigmented birthmark]] characterized by a flat, light brown patch on the skin. The name "café au lait" is derived from the French term for "coffee with milk," which describes the spot's distinctive color. These spots are common and can appear anywhere on the body. | A '''café au lait spot''' is a type of [[pigmented birthmark]] characterized by a flat, light brown patch on the skin. The name "café au lait" is derived from the French term for "coffee with milk," which describes the spot's distinctive color. These spots are common and can appear anywhere on the body. | ||
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==Neurofibromatosis Type 1== | ==Neurofibromatosis Type 1== | ||
In [[neurofibromatosis type 1]], café au lait spots are one of the diagnostic criteria. Individuals with NF1 typically have six or more café au lait spots that are larger than 5 mm in diameter in prepubertal individuals and larger than 15 mm in postpubertal individuals. NF1 is a genetic disorder that affects the growth and development of nerve cell tissues, leading to the formation of [[neurofibromas]] and other complications. | In [[neurofibromatosis type 1]], café au lait spots are one of the diagnostic criteria. Individuals with NF1 typically have six or more café au lait spots that are larger than 5 mm in diameter in prepubertal individuals and larger than 15 mm in postpubertal individuals. NF1 is a genetic disorder that affects the growth and development of nerve cell tissues, leading to the formation of [[neurofibromas]] and other complications. | ||
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[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Genetic disorders]] | [[Category:Genetic disorders]] | ||
Latest revision as of 17:32, 4 April 2025
Overview of café au lait spots in medical context
| Café au lait spot | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Café au lait macule |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
| Symptoms | Flat, pigmented birthmarks |
| Complications | Neurofibromatosis type I, McCune-Albright syndrome |
| Onset | Congenital |
| Duration | Lifelong |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Genetic factors |
| Risks | Family history of genetic disorders |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, Genetic testing |
| Differential diagnosis | Freckle, Lentigo, Melanocytic nevus |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | None required, Laser therapy for cosmetic reasons |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
A café au lait spot is a type of pigmented birthmark characterized by a flat, light brown patch on the skin. The name "café au lait" is derived from the French term for "coffee with milk," which describes the spot's distinctive color. These spots are common and can appear anywhere on the body.
Characteristics[edit]
Café au lait spots are usually present at birth or develop in early childhood. They are typically oval in shape and can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. The edges of these spots are usually smooth and well-defined.
Causes[edit]
Café au lait spots are caused by an increase in melanin production in the skin. They are often benign and do not cause any health problems. However, the presence of multiple café au lait spots can be associated with certain genetic conditions, such as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and McCune-Albright syndrome.
Neurofibromatosis Type 1[edit]
In neurofibromatosis type 1, café au lait spots are one of the diagnostic criteria. Individuals with NF1 typically have six or more café au lait spots that are larger than 5 mm in diameter in prepubertal individuals and larger than 15 mm in postpubertal individuals. NF1 is a genetic disorder that affects the growth and development of nerve cell tissues, leading to the formation of neurofibromas and other complications.
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of café au lait spots is primarily clinical, based on their appearance and distribution on the body. In cases where multiple spots are present, further evaluation may be necessary to rule out associated genetic conditions. This may include a detailed family history, genetic testing, and other diagnostic procedures.
Management[edit]
Café au lait spots themselves do not require treatment, as they are benign and do not pose any health risks. However, if they are associated with a genetic condition, management of the underlying condition may be necessary. This can include regular monitoring and treatment of any complications that arise.
