Spitz nevus
| Classification according to ICD-10 | |
|---|---|
| D22.- | Spitz nevus |
| ICD-10 online (WHO version 2019) | |
A Spitz nevus (synonyms: spindle cell nevus , Spitz tumor , juvenile benign melanoma , epithelial cell nevus ) is a benign, nodular nevus cell nevus that occurs mainly in children and adolescents and is characterized by its atypical histological appearance. It is a certain subtype of benign, limited, pigmented malformations of the skin ( pigment nevi ), colloquially known as " birthmarks ".
The phenomenon is named after the American pathologist Sophie Spitz , who first described it in 1948.
Epidemiology
This type of pigmented nevus can occur at any age, but most often in the first two decades (around 50% of all Spitz nevi affect children).
Clinic and Histology
A Spitz nevus grows quickly and quickly forms a reddish to brown, hemispherical, coarse and hairless nodule. This lesion is usually less than 1 cm in diameter. The pointed nevus is most commonly found on the head or neck.
Histologically, strongly changed and polymorphic nevus cells appear , also in the form of spindle cells and epithelial cells. The lesion extends from the junction zone into the dermis . It often takes an experienced histopathologist to distinguish such atypical cell patterns from genuine malignant melanoma.
Prognosis and therapy
In contrast to the other types of nevus cell nevi, Spitz nevi probably do not regress spontaneously. Still, they are usually benign . However, due to the difficult differential diagnosis of malignant melanoma , each such lesion should be excised and examined histologically. Follow-up checks are recommended as it can also lead to recurrences .
literature
- Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, Klaus Wolff (ed.): Atlas and synopsis of clinical dermatology: common and threatening diseases . 3. Edition. McGraw-Hill, New York; Frankfurt a. M. 1998, ISBN 0-07-709988-5 .
- Ernst G. Jung, Ingrid Moll (Ed.): Dermatology . 5th edition. Thieme, Stuttgart 2003, ISBN 3-13-126685-6 .
