SPITZ NEVUS Meaning and
Definition
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A Spitz nevus, also known as a spindle and epithelioid cell nevus, is a common type of benign skin lesion that typically occurs in children and adolescents. It is characterized by the presence of unusual-looking cells in the skin called spindled and epithelioid melanocytes.
Clinically, a Spitz nevus presents as a dome-shaped, flesh-colored or pinkish-red, smooth or slightly raised lesion that often measures between a few millimeters to a centimeter in diameter. It may have a well-defined border and can appear on any part of the body, but is frequently found on the face, arms, or legs.
Histologically, when examined under a microscope, a Spitz nevus displays a distinctive pattern. It consists of nests or clusters of spindled and epithelioid melanocytes in the dermis, sometimes along with a slight increase in the number of blood vessels. These cells often have abundant cytoplasm and are frequently swollen, resembling the appearance of melanoma or other malignant skin conditions.
Despite its potentially alarming appearance, a Spitz nevus is generally benign and does not pose a significant health concern. However, due to its resemblance to melanoma, it is important for dermatologists to accurately diagnose it through clinical examination, dermatoscopy, and biopsy. In some cases, surgical excision may be recommended for complete removal and histopathological analysis.
Common Misspellings for SPITZ NEVUS
- apitz nevus
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- spiyz nevus
Etymology of SPITZ NEVUS
The word "Spitz nevus" is a medical term derived from two sources.
1. Spitz: The term "Spitz" is named after an American dermatologist named Sophie Spitz. In 1948, Dr. Spitz first described a distinctive type of benign skin tumor that occurs mainly in children. These tumors are characterized by their dome-shaped appearance and a tendency for pigmentation. As a tribute to Dr. Sophie Spitz, this type of skin tumor was named "Spitz nevus" after her.
2. Nevus: The word "nevus" originates from Latin, where it means "birthmark" or "mole". It comes from the Latin word "naevus". In medical terminology, "nevus" is used to refer to pigmented lesions on the skin, including moles and certain types of birthmarks.
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