Is Spitz nevus precancerous?
Classic Spitz nevi are noncancerous and usually harmless. Atypical Spitz nevi are a little less predictable. They may act like cancerous lesions and are sometimes treated like melanomas.
Is Spitz nevus genetic?
Genetic aberrations can be found in the entire biological spectrum of spitzoid neoplasms (i.e. Spitz nevi, atypical Spitz tumors and spitzoid melanoma) and are, therefore, probably not useful for distinguishing benign from malignant tumors; however, genetic aberrations represent important targets for therapeutic …
What are Spitz nevi?
Spitz nevus (Epithelioid and Spindle-Cell Nevus) is an uncommon, benign, melanocytic nevus that is usually acquired and has histologic features that overlap with those of melanoma.
Can Spitz nevus be removed?
Most of the time, they are watched over time for changes. Measuring the mole’s size and taking photographs of it will help the doctor monitor for changes in size, color, and shape. Spitz nevi can be removed surgically. Surgical removal is recommended for Spitz nevi with concerning features or changes.
Can a Spitz nevus be removed?
How do you get rid of Spitz nevus?
Classic Spitz nevi usually grow for a few months and then gradually fade away over the course of a few years. They may only require medical monitoring. Spitz nevi in adults and types that may be linked to melanoma, such as pigmented and atypical Spitz tumors, are usually surgically removed from the skin.
Is a Spitz nevus atypical?
Atypical Spitz nevi are described as conventional Spitz nevi with 1 or more atypical features with indeterminate biological potential. Features of atypical Spitz include larger size (>6 mm), irregular borders, irregular topography, or ulceration.