Spitz naevus: histological features and distinction from malignant melanoma

Australas J Dermatol. 1997 Jun:38 Suppl 1:S49-53. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.1997.tb01010.x.

Abstract

Spitz naevus is a benign lesion that can be confused histologically with malignant melanoma. Some malignant melanomas also have an appearance similar to a Spitz naevus. Spitz naevus commonly occurs in children but also occurs in adults. The typical Spitz naevus has a classical histological appearance. This paper reviews several studies which have attempted to develop criteria to separate malignant melanoma and Spitz naevi. Histological features that suggest a diagnosis of malignant melanoma rather than atypical Spitz naevus include deep and marginal mitoses, atypical mitoses, asymmetry, pleomorphism and prominent epidermal involvement.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Melanoma / diagnosis
  • Melanoma / pathology*
  • Nevus, Epithelioid and Spindle Cell / diagnosis
  • Nevus, Epithelioid and Spindle Cell / epidemiology
  • Nevus, Epithelioid and Spindle Cell / pathology*
  • Prognosis
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*