Spitz nevus
| Spitz nevus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Spitz nevus | |
| Specialty | Oncology, Dermatology |
| Prognosis | benign |
A Spitz nevus is a
It is also known as an epithelioid and spindle-cell nevus,[2] and misleadingly as a benign juvenile melanoma,[2]: 691 and Spitz's juvenile melanoma[3]). The name juvenile melanoma is generally no longer used as it is neither a melanoma, nor does it occur only in children.[4]
Pathophysiology
The cause of Spitz nevi is not yet known. There is an association with
Diagnosis
On
Treatment
Surgical removal is usually performed, even though it is benign.[citation needed]
Epidemiology
Spitz nevi are uncommon. Their annual
Although they are most commonly found on people in their first two decades of life,[1] the age range for people with Spitz nevi is from 6 months to 71 years, with a mean age of 22 years and a median age of 19 years.[4]
Eponym
The lesion is named after Sophie Spitz, the pathologist who originally described it in 1948.[6]
See also
- List of cutaneous conditions
- List of genes mutated in pigmented cutaneous lesions
- Melanoma with features of a Spitz nevus
References
- ^ a b c d LeBoit, PE, Burg G, Weedon D, Sarasin A. (Eds) World Health Organization Classification of Tumours: Pathology and Genetics of Skin Tumours. Lyon: IARCPress. 2006.
- ^ ISBN 0-7216-2921-0.
- ISBN 978-1-4160-2999-1.
- ^ a b c Crotty, K. Spitz Naevus: Histological features and distinction from malignant melanoma. Australasian Journal of Dermatology. 38 (suppl): S49-S53. 1997.
- ^ Ries LAG, et al., eds. SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975–2000. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute; 2003: Tables XVI-1-9.
- ^ Spitz S. Melanomas of childhood. Am. J. Pathol.1948;24:591-609.