Affecting up to one in 20,000 newborns, giant congenital melanocytic nevus leaves patients facing elevated lifetime risks of skin cancer and neurological issues like seizures. Charlotte Lim manages the condition by limiting sun exposure and undergoing continuous dermatological checkups as new marks appear on her face. Her mother has fostered Charlotte's self-confidence to navigate social environments, though she harbors concerns about the upcoming transition to secondary school.
Key points
Proactive communication with peers from an early age helped prevent school bullying and f…: Proactive communication with peers from an early age helped prevent school bullying and fostered personal resilience.
Medical interventions such as surgery and laser therapy manage symptoms, but there is no…: Medical interventions such as surgery and laser therapy manage symptoms, but there is no permanent cure to erase the marks.
The emergence of new facial moles presents potential surgical needs and renewed social co…: The emergence of new facial moles presents potential surgical needs and renewed social concerns ahead of secondary school.
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Medical mystery
Comfortable in her own skin: How a 12-year-old embraces her rare birthmark
Medical Mysteries is a series that spotlights rare diseases or unusual conditions.
- Charlotte Lim, 12, was born with giant congenital melanocytic nevus, a rare noncancerous birthmark covering about 30% of her body.
- Doctors say GCMN affects one in 20,000 newborns and can bring a 3 to 11% lifetime risk of skin cancer and possible brain or spine problems.
- Her mother helped her face questions and bullying with confidence, but she now worries about secondary school and possible surgery for facial spots.
AI generated
SINGAPORE – “They are my birthmarks.”
That was what 12-year-old Charlotte Lim told everyone and anyone who bothered to ask her about the spots on her skin, especially the large one that covered much of her body and extended down her legs.
Charlotte was born with an enlarged birthmark that now covers about 30% of her body.
“It extended from her diaphragm to her legs, and she has smaller spots on her body and face that have grown progressively larger,”…
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