title: The deep penetrating nevus.
abstract: The deep penetrating nevus (DPN), also known as the plexiform spindle cell nevus, is a pigmented lesion that commonly arises on the head and neck in the first few decades of life. Histopathologically, the DPN is wedge-shaped and contains melanocytes that exhibit deep infiltration into the dermis. Given these features, DPN may clinically and histopathologically mimic malignant melanoma, sparking confusion about the appropriate evaluation and management of these lesions. The goal of this review is to summarize the clinical and histopathological features of DPN and to discuss diagnostic and treatment strategies for dermatologists.
authors.affiliation: University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Strazzula
authors.affiliation: Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, UMass Memorial Healthcare, Worcester, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Maryanne Makredes
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Senna
authors.affiliation: Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, UMass Memorial Healthcare, Worcester, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Mariko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yasuda
authors.affiliation: Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, UMass Memorial Healthcare, Worcester, Massachusetts; Division of Dermatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, UMass Memorial Healthcare, Worcester, Massachusetts. Electronic address: leah.belazarian@umassmemorial.org.
authors.forename: Leah
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Belazarian
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D015622:Epithelioid Cells / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000473:pathology; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D009506:Nevus / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D018331:Nevus, Spindle Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: deep penetrating nevus; dermatopathology; malignant melanoma; melanocytic tumor of uncertain malignant potential; nevus with focal atypical epithelioid components; plexiform spindle cell nevus