café-au-lait spots
Pronunciation: ka-FAY oh LAY
Light brown, flat skin lesions that may be isolated findings or associated with genetic conditions like neurofibromatosis when multiple.
Full Definition
Café-au-lait spots are well-demarcated, uniformly pigmented, flat brown macules that appear on the skin and are named for their resemblance to the color of coffee with milk. These lesions can occur as isolated findings in healthy children or as part of genetic syndromes, most notably neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The diagnostic significance depends on the number and size of spots: six or more café-au-lait spots larger than 5mm in prepubertal children or larger than 15mm in postpubertal individuals constitute one of the major criteria for NF1 diagnosis. Isolated café-au-lait spots are common and benign, occurring in approximately 10-20% of the normal population. When multiple spots are present, careful examination for other features of NF1 and family history assessment are warranted.
Usage
Usage note: Include hyphens in medical documentation; note significance of number and size in diagnostic criteria.
In Context
- "The child had seven café-au-lait spots larger than 5mm, prompting evaluation for neurofibromatosis type 1." — dermatology consultation note
- "Two small café-au-lait spots were noted on the trunk but were not clinically significant." — routine physical examination