Nevus of large spindle and/or epithelioid cells (Spitz's nevus)

Abstract

By now it is well recognized that there is a benign melanocytic nevus, common in the young and common enough in adults, that has histological features that are confusable with those of malignant melanoma. The anomaly is usually referred to as benign juvenile melanoma, sometimes as Spitz's nevus, and, by some histopathologists, as spindle and epithelioid cell nevus. All the histological subtleties and variations of the condition are still not fully appreciated and some of them are still being misinterpreted as those of malignant melanoma. We herewith present a study designed to clarify the issue and offer firm criteria for histological differentiation of the nevus in point from malignant melanoma. We also suggest a new name for it and supporting arguments therefor.