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We provide a comprehensive continuum of cancer services, including prevention, outreach, diagnostic, treatment and support services delivered by our highly skilled staff with compassion and care.
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The Center for Women & Children's Health is a hub for supporting women's and children's individual healthcare needs. The center provides support, research and unmatched patient-centered care.
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Emergency and Trauma Services is the only Level I Trauma Center in the area and serves as the tertiary referral center for medical care in East Tennessee, serving Knox County and 21 surrounding counties.
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The Heart Lung Vascular Institute brings together expertise in clinical care, teaching and research. Patients receive exceptional healthcare combined with patient-centered care.
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Mongolian blue spots
Definition
Mongolian spots are flat, blue, or blue-gray skin markings that commonly appear at birth or shortly thereafter.
See also: Rashes
Alternative Names
Mongolian spots; Congenital dermal melanocytosis; Dermal melanocytosis
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Mongolian blue spots are common among darker skinned persons, such as those who are of Asian, East Indian, and African descent.
Symptoms
Mongolian spots are noncancerous skin markings and are not associated with disease. The markings may cover a large area of the back.
Occasionally, Mongolian blue spots are mistaken for bruises, which can raise a question about possible child abuse. It is important to recognize that Mongolian blue spots are birthmarks, NOT bruises.
Symptoms include:
- Blue or blue-gray spots on the back, buttocks, base of spine, shoulders, and other body areas
- Flat area with irregular shape and unclear edges
- Normal skin texture
- The spots are usually 2 - 8 centimeters wide
Signs and tests
No tests are needed. Your doctor can diagnose this condition by looking at the skin.
Treatment
No treatment is necessary or recommended.
Support Groups
Expectations (prognosis)
The spots often fade in a few years and are almost always gone by adolescence.
Complications
There are no complications.
Calling your health care provider
All birthmarks should be examined by a health care provider during the routine newborn examination.
Prevention
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).