Congenital nevus

Usually present at birth, a congenital nevus is a painless, dark-colored mole that often appears on the scalp or trunk of the body. It can range in size from a couple of millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Sometimes, hair grows within the birthmark.

Children with a congenital nevus may be at an increased risk of developing skin cancer as adults. This is especially true for those with a large nevus. If your child has this type of birthmark, talk with a healthcare professional about watching for changes in the skin. Treatment may be considered depending on the size, location and risk of skin cancer.