Congenital Spitz Nevus

Abstract

Congenital Spitz nevi are true congenital lesions, with histopathologic features of both acquired Spitz nevus and superficial congenital melanocytic nevus.

Spitz and Reed nevi: acquired or congenital?

“…In 2000, Harris et al compared congenital and acquired Spitz nevi with superficial congenital nevi from a clinical and histopathologic point of view, also recognizing many overlapping features [23]. Although Ackerman in 2007 distinguished congenital and acquired Spitz nevi [21], Harris et al seem to be the first and only so far seriously considering a congenital origin of any authentic, that is, not atypical, Spitz nevus [23]. …”

“…In point of fact, the burden of clues indicating a congenital origin of Spitz nevi seems striking: Spitz nevi have a preponderance for children or young adults, and up to 7% of the lesions have even been reported to occur congenitally [7,21–23]. They may vary in size from a few millimeters to 2 cm or more, an extension usually regarded as incompatible with the diagnosis of an acquired nevus [4,7].…”

“…Up to 7% of Spitz nevi have been reported to occur congenitally and may vary in size from a few millimeters to 2 cm or more [7,21–23]. They may occur in a systematized or agminated pattern and may occasionally be found as constituents of different variants of combined congenital nevi like speckled lentiginous nevi or in association with blue type nevi [21,22,24–38].…”

Spitz nevus of the genital mucosa

“…[8] Although Spitz nevus is usually an acquired condition, there are reports of congenital Spitz nevi in the English literature. [10] Although it is generally seen on the skin of the face, hand, neck, trunk and lower extremities, it can be rarely seen on some other parts of the body. Examples of unusual localizations of Spitz nevus are glans penis and corpus penis.…”

“…[10] In the differential diagnosis, malignant melanoma, nevomelanocytic nevus, atypical melanocytic nevus, pyogenic granuloma, hemangioma, juvenile xanthogranuloma, dermatofibroma, isolated mastocytoma and pseudolymphoma should be considered.…”