Ann Dermatol.  2011 May;23(2):246-249. 10.5021/ad.2011.23.2.246.

Acral Pigmented Spitz Nevus That Clinically Mimicked Acral Lentiginous Malignant Melanoma

• Jang YH
• Lee JY
• Kim MR
• Kim SC
• Kim YC

• KMID: 2156675
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2011.23.2.246

Abstract

Pigmented Spitz nevus is a benign melanocytic skin lesion with distinct clinical features and it is frequently found on the extremities. However, it rarely occurs on acral area of the body, and such a case has not yet been fully documented. We present a case of acral pigmented Spitz nevus occurring on the foot, and this mimicked acral lentiginous malignant melanoma. Clinicians should be well aware of this entity and its possible clinical presentations. Since acral pigmented Spitz nevus is benign in nature, making the correct diagnosis is important to avoid unnecessary mutilating or excessive surgery.

Keyword

Acral lentiginous malignant melanoma; Acral pigmented Spitz nevus

MeSH Terms

Extremities
Foot
Melanoma
Nevus, Epithelioid and Spindle Cell
Skin

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A dark brown-to black-colored, indurated macule with irregular pigmentation on the dorsum of the left fifth toe (inset: dermoscopic image).

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  Fig. 2 (A) The lesion had a compound architectural pattern and its epidermis was hyperplastic with elongated rete ridges. (B) Nests of pigmented, epithelioid/spindle-shaped melanocytes at the dermoepidermal junction and beneath this are numerous melanophages in the papillary dermis, and these are the consistent features of pigmented Spitz nevus. Mitosis was absent (H&E, A: ×40, B: ×200).

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