Spitz nevus

A Spitz nevus is a benign, nodular nevus, which occurs mainly in children and adolescents and is characterized by its atypical histological picture. (Synonyms: spindle cell nevus, Spitz tumor, benign juvenile melanoma, Epitheloidzellnävus ) There is a specific subtype of benign, limited, pigmented malformations of the skin ( pigmented nevi ), commonly known as " birthmarks ".

Epidemiology

This type of Pigmentnävus can occur at any age, but most commonly in the first two decades (about 50 % of Spitz nevi occur in children ).

Clinical and histological

A Spitz nevus grows rapidly and forms in a short time a reddish to brown, hemispherical, massive and hairless nodules. The diameter of this lesion is usually less than 1 cm. Most often you will find the Spitz nevus on the head or neck.

Histologically show heavily modified and polymorphic nevus cells, even in the form of spindle cells and epithelioid cells. The lesion extends from the junction zone in the dermis. Often it takes an experienced histopathologist to distinguish such atypical cell pattern of a true malignant melanoma can.

Prognosis and therapy

Presumably, in the Spitz nevi, in contrast to the other types of melanocytic nevi not to spontaneous regression. However, they are usually benign. Due to the difficult differential diagnosis of malignant melanoma should be excised, however any such lesion and examine histologically. Follow-ups are recommended, as it can also cause relapses.