In a distressing incident that has drawn significant attention, a father in China claims that a surgeon refused to perform an operation on his infant daughter, who was born with a large mole on her forehead. The doctor’s reason for declining the surgery was that he believed the little girl didn’t need to fear ridicule until high school.
Daniel Brookshaw, a 26-year-old father, and his 24-year-old partner, Celine Casey, became parents on April 6th when their daughter, Vienna, was born with a significant congenital melanocytic nevus, a rare type of mole characterized by an accumulation of pigmented cells that results in a prominent black spot on the skin.
The concerned parents sought medical advice at Leeds St. James University Hospital to address the issue. However, they were deeply disappointed by the doctor’s decision not to perform surgery on their daughter. The doctor expressed concerns about Vienna’s mental health and suggested that she could face mockery from peers when she starts kindergarten, as young children often lack filters.
Celine worries that her daughter might someday ask why she didn’t take action if she would have to endure people hurting her because of her birthmark constantly. Additionally, the parents fear the possibility of cancer if the mole were to grow further, although doctors have indicated that the current risk is not imminent.
Vienna’s birthmark came as a shock to her parents, who only noticed it after her birth, and the midwives were initially unsure about its nature. While the medical experts have reassured the parents that the mole has no impact on the little girl’s health and currently poses no cancer risk, the parents are concerned about potential psychological effects on their daughter.
Vienna’s parents describe her as a very happy baby with a fantastic personality, but they acknowledge that as she grows and becomes more aware of her appearance, she may realize that she looks different from other children.
They are particularly worried about the lack of filters in children regarding such matters and want to ensure that Vienna’s mental health remains unaffected. The parents’ concern and love for their daughter’s well-being underscore the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of medical conditions in addition to their physical aspects.