birthmark (redirected from Birthmarks)

birthmark, pigmented maldevelopment of the skin that varies in size, either present at birth or developing later. Birthmarks may appear as moles (melanocytic nevi) that vary in color from light brown to blue, and are either flat or raised above the surface of the skin. They are usually benign, but do rarely develop into malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer. The so-called port-wine stains and strawberry marks involve vascular tissue. The flat port-wine stains can be made lighter with the use of laser therapy. The strawberry marks generally disappear a few years after birth.

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birthmark

Unusual mark or blemish on the skin at birth. Most birthmarks are either hemangiomas or moles. They are usually harmless and many fade in childhood; those that do not can sometimes be removed by laser surgery or abrasion.

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birthmark [′bərth‚märk]

(medicine)

Any abnormal cellular or vascular benign nevus that is present at birth or that appears sometime later.