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Neurofibromas vs. Freckles from a blog
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Dawnjoennikki98 Member Member # 14813
posted September 09, 2007 09:53 PM
I'm curious, what is the difference between a 5mm CAL and a large freckle? thanks!
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Orangecera Member Member # 7107
posted September 09, 2007 11:24 PM
I believe that there is actually no real difference as far as what they are "made of". A freckle is simply a "hyper-pigmented" or darker area of the skin, and that is what CAL's are. Both are simply a coloration of otherwise normal skin, caused I believe by the exact same chemical (it is called melanin or something like that isn't it?). So they are exactly the same thing - technically. However, freckles are a common coloration that are found particularly on people with fair skin, and I think they also run in families, and they are completely harmless, and from a large point of view "meaningless". And CAL's of course are a possible sign of NF, and therefore very "meaningful". Don't forget that about 10% of all people have 1 or 2 CAL's of "NF qualifying size", but of course nearly all people with only 1 or 2 CAL's are NF free. Now I don't know if a dermatologist would consider any "freckle" of a certain size to be a CAL and no longer a "freckle" or not. Anyone know?Does that answer your question? I think I was a bit confusing.
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