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

• Pigmented and Epithelioid Spindle Cell Naevus
• Pigmented Spindle Cell Nevus
• Spitz Naevus

What is Spitz Nevus? (Definition/Background Information)

• A nevus (plural nevi) is a mole on the skin that can occur on any part of the body
• A Spitz Nevus is an uncommon, benign condition that occurs as a pigmented skin lesion. The lesion is usually a well-defined nodule, less than 1 cm in size
• It can be present anywhere in the body, though often they are seen in the head and neck region. A majority of them arise before an individual reaches age 40 years
• Spitz Nevus is observed to occur spontaneously and the cause is largely unknown. There are also no identified risk factors for the development of the tumor presently
• They do not present any significant complications, but may cause cosmetic concerns in some individuals. Unlike a common mole that may disappear with time, Spitz Nevus does not disappear with time
• Treatment is generally not required for a Spitz Nevus unless it presents cosmetic issues. The prognosis is generally excellent with or without treatment, since these skin lesions are benign

Who gets Spitz Nevus? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Spitz Nevus is a benign skin tumor that can occur at any age, but is generally noticed before the age of 40 years. The condition is uncommon after this age
• Hence, both children and adults may be observed with this skin tumor
• Both males and females are affected and there is no gender bias observed
• All racial and ethnic groups are at risk

What are the Risk Factors for Spitz Nevus? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, there are no identified risk factors for Spitz Nevus formation

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 Spitz Nevus? (Etiology)

• The cause of Spitz Nevus formation is unknown
• Genetic mutations have been suspected by researchers in some cases, but these have not been well-characterized

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Spitz Nevus?

The signs and symptoms of Spitz Nevus may include the following:

• It is a benign tumor that occurs as a pigmented skin nodule
• The pigmented area is well-circumscribed
• The nodule is typically less than 1 cm in size
• The surface of the nodule may show an absence of hair
• Spitz Nevus can occur anywhere on the body. However, the most common site is the head and neck area
• The tumor may initially grow quite rapidly and then stabilize in size, which can raise concerns of a malignancy. In rare cases, the nodules may completely shrink and disappear 

How is Spitz Nevus Diagnosed?

A Spitz Nevus is diagnosed through the following tools:

• Complete physical examination with evaluation of medical history
• 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
• Serial photographs can help one record a changing skin condition over time
• 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 majority of the cases, no biopsy is necessary. But it may be performed, since the rapidly-growing nodule may resemble a melanoma, which is a malignant skin tumor.

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 Spitz Nevus?

There are frequently no complications that arise from a Spitz Nevus.

• Nevertheless, in some individuals, it may give rise to cosmetic concerns
• The rapid rate of growth of the tumor may be a cause of worry and stress for some individuals
• Scratching or itching of the lesion may lead to bleeding and ulceration. This can cause secondary bacterial or fungal infections to develop
• Recurrence of the tumor can occur on its incomplete excision and removal

How is Spitz Nevus Treated?

The treatment measures for Spitz Nevus include:

• The healthcare provider may choose to regularly observe the benign tumor; a “wait and watch” approach may be followed. In such cases, no treatment is generally required
• If required, a surgical excision and complete removal of the nodule, to address cosmetic issues or if its growth is worrisome
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important and encouraged

How can Spitz Nevus be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a way of preventing the occurrence of Spitz Nevus.

What is the Prognosis of Spitz Nevus? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Spitz Nevus is excellent on its complete excision and removal
• Since, these are benign conditions, the prognosis is generally excellent even if no treatment is provided and only periodic observation maintained
• Even though most of these tumors do not spontaneously reduce in size, a few of them are known to completely subside and disappear

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Spitz Nevus:

• There is no evidence to prove that the tumor formation is influenced by one’s dietary choices
• 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