Melanoma with features of a Spitz nevus

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Melanoma with features of a Spitz nevus
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Skin lesion, pigmented skin, asymmetry, irregular borders
Complications	Metastasis, recurrence
Onset	Any age, but more common in children and young adults
Duration	Variable
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetic mutations, UV radiation
Risks	Family history, fair skin, sun exposure
Diagnosis	Biopsy, histopathological examination
Differential diagnosis	Spitz nevus, conventional melanoma, atypical nevus
Prevention	Sun protection, regular skin checks
Treatment	Surgical excision, immunotherapy, targeted therapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depends on stage and treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Melanoma with features of a Spitz nevus is a rare and complex form of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. This condition is characterized by the presence of features typically associated with a Spitz nevus, a benign skin lesion, within a melanoma.

Overview

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that develops from the pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. A Spitz nevus, on the other hand, is a benign skin lesion that also arises from melanocytes. In some cases, a melanoma can exhibit features of a Spitz nevus, complicating diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of melanoma with features of a Spitz nevus can be challenging due to the overlapping characteristics of the two conditions. Dermoscopy, histopathology, and genetic testing are often used to differentiate between a benign Spitz nevus and a malignant melanoma.

Treatment

Treatment for melanoma with features of a Spitz nevus typically involves surgical removal of the lesion. Depending on the stage and severity of the melanoma, additional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy may be required.

Prognosis

The prognosis for melanoma with features of a Spitz nevus varies depending on several factors, including the depth of the melanoma, the presence of metastasis, and the patient's overall health.

See also

• Melanoma
• Spitz nevus
• Skin cancer
• Dermoscopy
• Histopathology

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