Melanocytic nevi with features of Spitz nevi and Clark's/dysplastic nevi ("Spark's" nevi)

J Cutan Pathol. 2009 Oct;36(10):1063-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0560.2008.01221.x. Epub 2009 Jan 27.

Abstract

Background: Nevi with cytologic characteristics of Spitz nevus and architectural features of Clark's/dysplastic nevus are not well recognized in the literature.

Methods: Twenty-seven nevi with characteristics of Spitz nevus and Clark's/dysplastic nevus are reviewed.

Results: The patients' mean age was 33 years, and 17/27(63%) patients were female. Lesions were most frequent on the trunk and lower extremities. Histopathologically, these nevi were composed of large, monomorphous spindled and/or epithelioid melanocytes. Spindle cells were often oriented parallel to the epidermis, with fused rete and lamellar fibroplasias. Lateral extension of the junctional component was a feature of compound lesions. An average of 10 years of clinical follow up in 12 patients revealed no recurrence or metastasis.

Conclusions: Recognition of this type of nevus is important to avoid confusion with malignant melanoma.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Nevus, Epithelioid and Spindle Cell / pathology
  • Nevus, Pigmented / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Young Adult