nevus of ota

my 16 year old daughter has nevus of ota in her left eye and on the temple. within the last 6 months it has completley circled her left eye. looks like a bruise around her eye. should i be concerned about the sudden spread? and why has it spread all of a sudden? she already sees a dermatologist and eye doctor. should she also see a neurologist? we live near pittsburgh so if you know of any specialists in this area  i would appreciate the referral!

[Houman Vosoghi, MD]

Anytime there is a sudden change, I would take her in for an exam.  Preferrably by an ophthalmologist that has seen her before.  Cari Lyle is an oculoplastic specialist in Pittsburgh who I know personally and trust.  Consider seeing her to see what she thinks.  She has an office on 5th ave near univ of Pittsburgh.  I don't think it is anything to worry about but should be checked by an eye MD regularly for multiple reasons.

HV

[arelim]

thank you so much for your quick response! do you see a need for her to see a neurologist also, since nevus of ota seems to be linked to the first and second tri something nerve? some sites say see one some just say eye doctor and dermatologist. and do you know what the chances are of this turning into  melenoma?

[Houman Vosoghi, MD]

Risk of melanoma is higher than in general population but not alarming either (it is still rare but should be checked if you notice changes).  I don't see a need to see a neurologist unless there are neurologic symptoms or your primary care doctor or ophthalmologist feel you need to.  Important to get her eye pressure checked a couple of times a year because there is up to a 10% risk of glaucoma with this condition as well.

HV

[arelim]

thank you so much, you are easing my stress a little. noone has been able to answer my questions about this and i have been so stressed. i contacted the doctor you suggested in pittsburgh and they will be getting back to me. she is checked anually by her eye doctor and he does check for glaucoma and he dialates her to look behind the eye. again i am so thankful for your responses!