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Spitz Naevi

Spitz nevus (also known as "spindle cell nevus") is a benign, dome-shaped, hairless, small (< 1 cm in diameter) nodule, most often pink" or tan. The clinical presentation is distinctive, and there is often a history of recent rapid growth. However, the pathology of Spitz nevus is misleading, consisting of spindle and epithelioid nevus cells, some of which may be atypical. Differentiation from nodular malignant melanoma may require the help of a dermatopathologist who is familiar with pigment-cell neoplasms.

Age of Onset Occurs at all ages. A third of the patients are children younger than 10 years, a third are 10 to 20 years old, and a third are older than 20; rarely seen in persons 40 years of age or older.

Causes of Spitz Naevi

The trigger or cause of spontaneous pigment loss in a halo nevus is not known; however, pigment loss is the result of an immunologic process in which melanocytes are destroyed (pigment-producing cells). In essence, the body's immune cells attack other cells of the body.

Signs and symptoms of Spitz Naevi

Spitz nevi usually have a papule or dome-shaped or relatively flat nodule, smooth-topped, hairless. Uniform pink, tan, brown, dark brown. Firm nodule. Round, dome-shaped, well-circumscribed.

Diagnosis

Although the clinical appearance and recent growth are characteristic of a Spitz nevus, histologic examination must be done to confirm the clinical diagnosis.

Treatment of Spitz Naevi

Because of the difficultly in definitively predicting the outcome of Spitz naevi, it is generally recommended that the lesions be cut out ( excised ).

Excision with a border of 5mm. Follow up in 6 to 12 months is advised, especially for atypical lesion.

Prevention of Spitz Naevi

There is no known way to prevent Spitz nevi.