What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Congenital Dermal Melanocytosis
• Lumbosacral Dermal Melanocytosis

What is Mongolian Spot? (Definition/Background Information)

• A Mongolian Spot is a benign condition where there is increased pigmentation of skin affecting the lower back and buttocks. It is usually present at birth in newborns
• The pigmented area could be light-to-dark and in many the affected skin is often bluish-grey in color. Since the condition is more common among the Mongoloid race, it has been called Mongolian Spot
• In many cases, these patches disappear spontaneously before the age of 10 years. Also, Mongolian Spots do not present any significant complications apart from cosmetic concerns in some individuals, particularly if they are present into adulthood
• Mongolian Spot is observed to occur congenitally and the cause is largely unknown. There are also no identified risk factors for the development of the condition presently
• Treatment is generally not required for a Mongolian Spot, unless it presents cosmetic issues. The prognosis is generally excellent with or without treatment, since these skin lesions are generally benign and many resolve (disappear) on their own

Who gets Mongolian Spot? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Mongolian Spot is a benign skin condition that is mostly present at birth. It is also known as Congenital Dermal Melanocytosis
• Both males and females are affected and there is no gender bias observed
• All racial and ethnic groups are at risk, although it is observed with a higher incidence in Native Americans and the so-called Mongoloid race

What are the Risk Factors for Mongolian Spot? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, there are no identified risk factors for Mongolian Spot occurrence

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Mongolian Spot? (Etiology)

• The cause of Mongolian Spot formation is unknown
• Genetic mutations have been suspected by researchers in some cases, but these have not been well-characterized

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Mongolian Spot?

The signs and symptoms of Mongolian Spots may include the following:

• It is a benign condition that occurs as a large, irregular, pigmented patch on the skin
• In most individuals, the skin is blue-grey in color in the affected region
• The pigmented area is usually well-defined, though some areas may be lighter or darker colored
• Mongolian Spot can occur anywhere on the body. However, the most common sites are the lower back, buttocks, arms, and legs

How is Mongolian Spot Diagnosed?

A Mongolian Spot is diagnosed through the following tools:

• Complete physical examination with evaluation of medical history
• Dermoscopy: It is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
• Serial photographs can help one record a changing skin condition over time
• Skin biopsy: A skin biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Note: In majority of the cases, no biopsy is necessary. But it may be performed in rare cases, in order to eliminate other skin conditions with similar signs and symptoms.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Mongolian Spot?

There are frequently no complications that arise from a Mongolian Spot.

• Nevertheless, in some individuals, it may give rise to cosmetic concerns
• Recurrence of the spots on incomplete excision
• If inexperienced observers consider the Mongolian Spot a bruise, an inappropriate referral to child protective services may be made

How is Mongolian Spot Treated?

The treatment measures for Mongolian Spots include:

• Many spots are known to completely shrink in size and disappear, before the child reaches 10 years of age
• The healthcare provider may choose to regularly observe the benign tumor; a “wait and watch” approach may be followed. In such cases, no treatment is generally required
• If required, laser therapy to remove the spots may be attempted, when significant cosmetic issues are reported. This should only be done after childhood
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important and encouraged

How can Mongolian Spot be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a way of preventing the occurrence of Mongolian Spot.

What is the Prognosis of Mongolian Spot? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Mongolian Spot is generally excellent, even if no treatment is provided and only periodic observation maintained
• In many children, these spots are known to disappear around puberty (by age 10). In some adults, treatment may be provided for cosmetic reasons
• Melanomas have not been reported to develop from Mongolian Spots

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Mongolian Spot:

• There is no evidence to prove that the tumor formation is influenced by one’s dietary choices
• Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the skin condition. Care must be taken avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially worsen the condition
• The presence of dirt on the body is not a causative factor for the condition. However, it helps to be clean and hygienic, which may help the condition from getting worse