Invasive cellular blue nevus in the cervical spine: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Cellular blue nevus is an uncommon neoplasm in the spine.

Patient concerns: Here, we present a case of a 24 years old male with a 2 months history of numbness in the right upper limb and shoulder.

Diagnosis: Cervical spine and subcutaneous tissue invasive cellular blue nevus.

Interventions: The patient underwent C4 laminectomy and partial C3 and C5 laminectomy for total resection of the lesion. Histopathology revealed a nodular tumor with unclear boundaries, which was composed of heavily pigmented dendritic cells and more pigmented spindle cells.

Outcomes: There was no recurrence during 3 years follow-up.

Conclusion: Invasive cellular blue nevus of the spine can be wrongly diagnosed as spinal meningeal melanocytoma and meningeal melanoma due to its special cell behavior and rarity. Therefore, it is important to understand its pathological and clinical characteristics to avoid over-treatment.