What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Pigmented Spindle Cell Naevus of Reed
• PSCN of Reed
• Reed Tumor

What is Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus? (Definition/Background Information)

• A nevus (plural nevi) is a mole on the skin that can occur on any part of the body. A melanocytic nevus is benign tumor of melanocytic (pigment-based) cells that occur on the skin
• Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus (Reed) is a benign, darkly-pigmented skin lesion that chiefly forms on the upper and lower limbs. It is also known as a Reed Nevus or a Reed Tumor
• The nevus appears as a single, flat or raised skin lesion that is well-circumscribed. Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus (Reed) usually occurs in young adults and older children
• The cause of Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus of Reed is generally unknown and no risk factors have been identified for the formation of this benign tumor
• In many cases, the Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus of Reed may be mistaken for a malignant melanoma, due to its sudden onset and certain clinical features
• In many cases, no treatment is necessary, unless it causes cosmetic concerns in the individual. But when required, a simple surgical excision of the lesion may be performed
• The prognosis for Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus (Reed) is generally excellent, since it is a benign tumor. The tumor is not identified with any malignant transformations

Who gets Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus (Reed) is a benign skin tumor that may occur in a wide age category of individuals; both children and adults are affected
• The peak age range is between 20-30 years; elderly adults are infrequently affected
• Both males and females are affected, but there is a preference for females
• Individuals of all racial and ethnic background may be affected. Worldwide, no geographical localization of the condition has been reported

What are the Risk Factors for Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no risk factors have been identified for Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus of Reed

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus? (Etiology)

The cause of development of Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus (Reed) is unknown.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus?

The signs and symptoms of Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus (Reed) include:

• It generally occurs as solitary, small, well-defined, round or oval-shaped skin lesion
• Typically, the size of the nevus is not more than 10 mm
• The nevus may be slightly raised at the center or may be flat; the edges of the nevus appear like a star (outwardly radiating streaks)
• It usually appears as a deeply-pigmented papule or a plaque; the pigmentation is uniform and may be brown or black
• The lesions are usually painless and non-itchy
• It may appear anywhere on the body, but mostly involves the arms and legs (thigh)
• PSCN of Reed may be also seen to a lesser extent in the head and neck region, and on the chest, abdomen, and back

How is Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus (Reed) may involve the following:

• A thorough medical history and physical examination
• Dermoscopy: It is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
• Skin biopsy: A skin biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Note:

• In some cases, Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus (Reed) may be misdiagnosed as a malignant melanoma (a form of skin cancer) clinically
• Some tumors may be also misdiagnosed as a Spitz nevus (a type of benign mole), due to certain histological features being similar
• In case certain cell abnormalities (atypical cytological features) are observed, then the tumor is called Atypical PSCN. In such cases, it is more often mistaken for a melanoma
• A subtype of PSCN, termed Plexiform PSCN is also described in the medical literature; but, this is purely a histological differentiation

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus?

Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus (Reed) is a benign skin tumor. It does not cause any significant complication.

• However, some individuals may have concerns regarding their appearance, especially when it appears on the face and neck
• Current research does not indicate any malignant transformations of these skin lesions
• Recurrences have been noticed with tumors that were incompletely removed

How is Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus Treated?

The treatment of Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus (Reed) may involve the following:

• In a majority of cases, removal of the tumor is not necessary, unless it causes bothersome signs and symptoms such as cosmetic issues
• The healthcare provider may plan a ‘wait and watch’ approach, once a diagnosis of PSCN is established
• When necessary, the treatment of choice is a complete surgical excision

How can Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus be Prevented?

Currently, there are no known methods to prevent Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus of Reed occurrence.

What is the Prognosis of Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis for Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus (Reed) is excellent with appropriate treatment, since it is a benign tumor
• No malignant transformations have been recorded, although recurrences may occur if the tumors are incompletely excised 

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus:

• There is no evidence to prove that the intake of certain foods has an influence on Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus (Reed) development
• Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the skin condition. Care must be taken avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially worsen the condition
• The presence of dirt on the body is not a causative factor for the condition. However, it helps to be clean and hygienic, which may help the condition from getting worse