Deep penetrating nevus

Is melanocytic nevus with focal atypical epithelioid components (clonal nevus) a superficial variant of deep penetrating nevus?

“…Lymphocytic infiltrates have been reported in all series of DPN, ranging from 34% to 75% of cases. 1,2,12 It is also possible that the cytologic atypia observed is degenerative in nature. This may be supported by the amorphous quality of the chromatin and the paucity of mitotic activity.…”

The deep penetrating nevus

“…1,3,4 Congenital onset has been reported, 3,[5][6][7] and lesions rarely arise in patients older than 50 years. 8 Females appear to have a slightly higher incidence (57.4%) compared with males (42.4%).…”

“…[1][2][3]5,6,17 It consists of often vertically oriented, loose fascicles and nests of spindle-shaped and epithelioid melanocytes extending into the reticular dermis in a plexiform pattern (Figs 2 and 3). Melanophages can be found in focal interstitial areas among the groups of nests and fascicles.…”

“…Melanophages can be found in focal interstitial areas among the groups of nests and fascicles. [1][2][3]5,6,17 There are typically a few nests or melanocytes in a lentiginous pattern at the dermoepidermal junction. 1,3 The papillary dermis is frequently spared 8 ; however, these lesions are often combined with a common dermal or congenital nevus in the epidermis and papillary dermis.…”

“…Mature lymphocytes are responsible for a mild to moderate inflammatory reaction in approximately 75% of cases. 6 Melanocytes in DPN have abundant pale cytoplasm, small nucleoli, smudged chromatin, and large nuclear pseudoinclusions. 1-3,5,6,17 Occasional low-grade cytologic atypia and random nuclear pleomorphism are commonly found, often seen in the deepest part of the lesion.…”