Congenital Spitz nevus clinically mimicking melanoma

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2002 Sep;47(3):441-4. doi: 10.1067/mjd.2002.117226.

Abstract

The differentiation between atypical variants of Spitz nevus and melanoma is often difficult given the many clinical and histopathologic similarities between the two. We report a case of an infant with a congenital scalp lesion exhibiting clinical features of melanoma, including variegation and regression of pigmentation and a rapidly changing appearance. Histologic examination of the excised lesion revealed a benign congenital Spitz nevus. This case emphasizes the need for clinical and histologic correlation in determining the benign or malignant nature of atypical pigmented lesions in infants.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / congenital*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Melanoma / pathology*
  • Nevus, Epithelioid and Spindle Cell / congenital*
  • Nevus, Epithelioid and Spindle Cell / pathology*
  • Scalp*
  • Skin Neoplasms / congenital*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*