Polypoid Spitz naevus: the benign counterpart of polypoid malignant melanoma

Authors: Fabrizi, G.¹; Massi, G.²

Source: British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 142, Number 1, January 2000 , pp. 128-132(5)

Publisher: Blackwell Publishing

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Abstract:

Polypoid malignant melanoma is a peculiar morphological variant of melanoma with a distinct exophytic pattern of growth. This form of melanoma is usually very thick and the prognosis is accordingly poor. We present here a previously undescribed form of Spitz naevus which had a similar polypoid exophytic silhouette and marked cytological atypia. Despite these close morphological similarities, polypoid Spitz naevus evolves in a completely benign manner. Morphologically, polypoid Spitz naevus can be distinguished from polypoid melanoma by the absence of mitoses and by the prominent stromal reaction throughout the lesion.

Keywords: polyploid; malignant melanoma; Spitz naevus

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.2000.03254.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Dermatology, 2: Department of Pathology, Catholic University Medical School, Largo F. Vito, 1, 0168 Rome, Italy

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