[Spitz nevus vs 'spitzoid' malignant melanoma. A diagnostic dilemma?].
Data from the literature and histopathological findings in six personal cases are used to illustrate criteria that can be applied in differential diagnosis between a Spitz nevus and a spitzoid variant of malignant melanoma. The diagnostic term 'atypical Spitz tumor' is explained; it is used to describe a morphological "grey zone" in which it is not possible to differentiate with adequate certainty between a Spitz nevus and a spitzoid malignant melanoma.
Rütten
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Dermatopathologische Gemeinschaftspraxis, Siemensstrasse 6/1, 88048, Friedrichshafen. ruetten@dermpath.de
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology*; D018332:Nevus, Epithelioid and Spindle Cell / Q000473:pathology*; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000473:pathology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*