Birthmarks: Exams And Tests
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Exams and Tests
More than 90% of birthmarks are diagnosed by a careful medical history and physical exam.1 Sometimes a health professional will monitor changes in a birthmark by taking photos of the birthmark over a period of time. All birthmarks need to be checked by a health professional.
If a health professional suspects that your child has other problems, he or she may do a blood test or do other tests to check your child's internal organs (liver, lungs, stomach, or intestines). Additional tests might include MRI or ultrasound. In rare cases, a health professional cuts out a piece of the birthmark (biopsy) to make a diagnosis.
| Last updated: | April 18, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW |
| Reviewed By: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
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