atypical Spitz nevus

A Spitz-nevus-like tumour of the skin with one or more atypical features, for which prudent pathologists would recommend close followup.

Spitz nevus features—classical vs atypical
• Size—< 10 mm vs > 10 mm.
• Symmetry—Symmetrical vs Asymmetrical.
• Lateral borders—Sharply demarcated vs Poorly demarcated.
• Deep border—Rounded, pushing vs Infiltrative.
• Cellularity—Variable vs Clustered cells in dermis.
• Irregular nesting—Rare vs Common.
• Deep extension—Rare vs Common.
• Expansile nodule—Rare vs Common.
• Deep mitoses—Rare vs Common.
• Ulceration—Rare vs Variable.
• Maturation/zonation—Common vs Rare.
• Kamino bodies—Common vs Rare.

References in periodicals archive

(153) To underscore the difficulty pathologists faced with these lesions, reports emerged of lesions designated as Spitz nevus or atypical Spitz nevus that had subsequently metastasized.

A Practical Approach to the Diagnosis of Melanocytic Lesions

The researcher of these lesions will encounter terms from various published works such as : "Spitz nevus with atypia", "atypical Spitz nevus", atypical Spitz tumor", "malignant Spitz nevus", "Spitzoid tumor of uncertain malignant potential", and "diagnostically controversial Spitzoid melanocytic tumours" so they can perhaps be forgiven for sharing the confusion.

Skin lesion quiz--discussion and answers

(2) On occasion, Spitz nevi may demonstrate greater degrees of atypia, characterized by higher-grade cytologic atypia, increased pagetoid scatter, and/or architectural overlap with dysplastic nevus, such that the terms dysplastic Spitz nevus or atypical Spitz nevus are used.

Atypical Spitz Tumors: A Diagnostic Challenge

All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.