Spitz tumors and melanoma

Spitz nevus is a benign tumor that can be distinguished from melanoma in most instances. However, as stated by Allen and Spitz in 1953, in some circumstances, unequivocal distinction between Spitz nevus and melanoma is practically impossible. Some cases are difficult to distinguish from melanoma. Other cases turn out to be of higher risk and don’t behave like Spitz tumors. I consider a decision appropriate to treat it as melanoma after a consideration of all factors and discussion between physician and patient appropriate given the uncertainty of pathologic diagnosis in many cases.

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