Clinical and dermoscopic spectrum of age-dependent spitzoid lesions – when to react?

Abstract

Introduction Spitzoid lesions represent a spectrum of melanocytic lesions comprising benign Spitz nevi, intermediate lesions known as atypical Spitz tumors, and Spitzoid melanoma. They tend to be more common in children and young adults, but all age groups can be affected. Due to complexity of their clinical, dermoscopic and histological differentiation, they are extremely difficult to manage, especially in pediatric population.

Outlines of cases In this report, we present a series of six cases with spitzoid lesions in different age groups with different outcomes.

Conclusion With the following case series, we report clinical and dermoscopic features of biologically various spitzoid lesions, appearing in different age groups. We believe that this article will increase knowledge of both physicians and dermatologists about when and how to react when dealing with a patient with spitzoid lesion.

Keywords: spitzoid lesions; Spitz nevus; atypical spitz tumor; spitzoid melanoma; management