Following up Spitz nevi

Spitz Nevus: Follow-Up Study of 8 Cases of Childhood Starburst Type and Proposal for Management
Massimiliano Ninoa, Bruno Brunettic, Sergio Delfinod, Beniamino Brunettid, Luigia Panarielloa, Daniela Russob
Dermatology 2009;218:48-51 (DOI: 10.1159/000161120)

Spitz nevus is an uncommon, benign melanocytic neoplasm that shares many clinical and histological features with melanoma. It presents clinical ambiguity that makes the diagnosis and management of the patient difficult. We present our experience in the management of Spitz nevus by rigorous dermoscopic long-term follow-up of 8 Spitz nevi in patients younger than 12 years. Dermoscopic images, acquired every 6 months, show evolution and modifications of these lesions. The aim of this paper is to better understand the long-term modifications of nevi with starburst pattern to avoid surgical excision of these lesions in the pediatric age group.

(I will try to get a copy of this article and post it in Skin Cancer Consult.)