Should I worry about my daughter's pink scalp mole?

Question

Hi doctor,

My daughter, who is 20 years old, has a raised pink mole on her scalp. It has been there for several years. The one in question now has a purplish line running through it. My thought is that it is a visible blood vessel. Is it a change that requires seeing our dermatologist? Her dad passed away from melanoma. She is fair-skinned, has blond hair, and blue eyed. She has many moles on her body. She does see a dermatologist once a year. It is not her time yet, but I would certainly send her in if warranted.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It can be nevus sebaceous. One of the differential diagnosis can also be viral warts. Nevus sebaceous can appear in the prepubertal age, which looks likesolitary, yellow-orange smooth, velvety plaques on the scalp. In postpubertal age, they look thickened, larger, waxy and more nodular as there is a massive development of sebaceous glands.

Diagnosis can be confirmed by skin biopsy. Also,dermoscopy would helpto diagnose. Surgical excision of sebaceous nevus is often recommended during childhood due to the potential risk of neoplastic transformation. However, most of the nevus are benign. I would suggest her to visit a dermatologist for a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and further management.

Hope it helps.

Regards.