What Is a Spitz Nevus?
A Spitz nevus is a special type of mole made up of pigment-producing skin cells called melanocytes.
- May appear suddenly
- Can grow relatively quickly
- May look unusual clinically or under the microscope
- Occurs more commonly in children and young adults, but can occur at any age
Why Is Diagnosis Difficult?
Spitz lesions are considered one of the more challenging skin lesions in dermatology and pathology because they can sometimes resemble melanoma.
- Cells may appear abnormal
- Growth patterns may overlap with melanoma
- Special stains or expert pathology review may be required
- Complete removal is often recommended for safety
What Does “Atypical” Mean?
The term “atypical” means some of the lesion’s features appear unusual compared to a normal mole.
Importantly, atypical does not automatically mean cancer, but it also means the lesion is not considered completely routine.
These lesions may exist in a “gray zone” between a benign mole and melanoma, which is why careful management is recommended.
Why Was Additional Excision Recommended?
Even when melanoma is not diagnosed, further excision may be recommended because:
- The lesion may extend close to the biopsy margin
- Spitz lesions can occasionally recur
- Complete removal allows full microscopic evaluation
- This is considered standard precautionary dermatologic care
Did I Have Skin Cancer?
In many cases involving Spitz lesions, pathology does not confirm melanoma.
However, the lesion may still contain atypical or concerning features that require follow-up and close monitoring.
Most Spitz lesions ultimately behave in a benign manner.
Why Might Explanations Differ?
Spitz lesions are medically complex and sometimes difficult to summarize in simple terms.
Healthcare providers may use phrases such as:
- Abnormal cells
- Precancerous changes
- Atypical cells
- Concerning features
This terminology reflects the complexity of the lesion and the need for careful treatment decisions.
What Symptoms Should I Watch For?
Please contact your physician if you notice:
- Rapid growth of a mole
- Bleeding
- Persistent itching
- Colour changes
- Irregular borders
- New or unusual pigmented lesions
Regular skin examinations remain important for ongoing skin health.
Will I Need Follow-Up?
Depending on your pathology result, your physician may recommend:
- Routine skin examinations
- Scar site monitoring
- Periodic dermatology follow-up visits
Most patients do very well following complete removal.
Important Reassurance
Receiving a pathology report involving a Spitz lesion can understandably create anxiety. However:
- These lesions are known to be difficult to classify
- Careful follow-up is routine and appropriate
- Recommendations for excision are often precautionary
Our goal is always to ensure your safety while providing the most accurate care possible.
Questions?
If you have questions regarding your pathology result or treatment plan, please contact our office so one of our medical staff or physicians can review the findings with you in detail.
SimcoDerm Medical & Surgical Dermatology Centre
705-503-6333
derm@simcoderm.com