ABSTRACT

Aim:

Spitz nevus is a benign, mostly acquired melanocytic nevus, which is commonly seen in childhood. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, dermatoscopic, and histopathological features of Spitz nevus.

Methods:

Clinical data, histopathological slides, and dermatoscopic images of the patients that were histopathologically or clinically diagnosed with Spitz nevus between 2000-2005 were retrospectively analyzed. For statistical analysis, descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used.

Results:

Among the 30 patients included in the study, 56.7% were female. Median patient age was 15.5 years (range: 3-49 years) and 40% were younger than 12 years of age. The most frequent clinical diagnoses before biopsy were Spitz nevus (33%) and melanocytic nevus (30%). Median disease duration was 12 months (range: 1month-20 years) and mean diameter of the lesions was 5 mm. Lesions were most commonly localized on the lower extremities (44.8%) in both children and adults, and lower extremity localization was more common in females (P=0.007). The most common histopathological types noted were Spitz nevus 53.5% (n=15) and Reed nevus 32% (n=9). Dermatoscopy was performed in 16 patients; 31.3% had reticular pattern, 18.8% had starburst pattern, and 18.8% had atypical pattern.

Conclusion:

Spitz nevi were seen in both children and adults. Pigmented Spitz nevus, which resembles melanocytic nevus, was the most common type and lower extremity localization was more common in females.