What is a Spitz Nevus?
A Spitz nevus is a mole that can often be confused with melanoma. In fact, it was originally called a “benign juvenile melanoma” before this type of mole was renamed after Dr. Sophie Spitz, who was the first person to describe it.
Although Spitz nevi may look like melanoma, Spitz nevi are benign. However, dermatologists sometimes cannot distinguish Spitz nevi from melanoma without a biopsy. A Spitz nevus is typically dome-shaped, raised, and pink, but it is also common for Spitz nevi to be more than one color. They can also be blue, black, brown, and red. This type of mole may itch, bleed, or have an opening that oozes. However, these symptoms are not typical as most people with a Spitz nevus are asymptomatic.
Spitz nevi develop most often on the extremities, neck, and head, but can develop anywhere on your body. When Spitz nevi first form, they can grow rapidly in size for up to six months. A Spitz nevus can become flatter, smaller, or even disappear after a few years. Most Spitz nevi form before you reach the age of 20, but that doesn’t mean that you cannot form Spitz nevi after the age of 20. People who are fair-skinned are more likely to develop a Spitz nevus.
What Causes a Spitz Nevus?
Currently, the cause of Spitz nevi is unknown. However, some cases of Spitz nevi can have gene or chromosome abnormalities, some of which can differ from those found in melanomas.
Is a Spitz Nevus Cancer?
Spitz nevi are not cancerous. However, because they can so easily be confused as melanoma, it is important to monitor your moles and seek dermatological care if you notice any changes, such as bleeding, oozing, or a change in size, color, or shape.
Do Spitz Nevi Need to be Removed?
Not all Spitz nevi need to be removed. When first identified, your dermatologist may monitor your Spitz nevus over time. If the Spitz nevus changes over time or appears abnormal, your dermatologist will perform a biopsy to determine if the Spitz nevus needs to be removed. If results determine removing the Spitz nevus is necessary, your dermatologist will discuss removal options.
Spitz nevi should not be removed using burning, scraping, freezing, or laser methods. The most common removal process is an excision.
How Do You Monitor a Spitz Nevus?
There are two ways to monitor a Spitz nevus: skin cancer screenings conducted at home and screenings conducted by your dermatologist. Are these different methods? Yes, one is by you (to first notice any changes) and one is by an expertly trained, board-certified dermatologist who should make the final determination for any type of lesion. Should you do both? The short answer is yes.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends conducting an at-home skin cancer screening monthly, but what do you need to look for during a self-screening? The ABCDEs of moles. This method can be used to monitor not only Spitz nevi, but any of the 4 types of moles. When conducting a self-screening, take note of the following and contact your dermatologist if any are apparent:
- Asymmetry: If your Spitz nevus is asymmetrical, meaning both sides are not the same.
- Borders: Your mole has jagged or irregular borders.
- Color: Cancerous moles are often multicolored, and Spitz nevus can be too. If your mole is multicolored, we recommend seeing a dermatologist.
- Diameter: A mole larger than six millimeter (approximately the size of a pencil eraser) in size.
- Evolving: If your mole changes in size, shape or color.
Although you can conduct a skin cancer screening at home using the ABCDEs of moles, an annual skin cancer screening with your dermatologist can be more thorough as they can examine those hard to reach places that you might miss during an at-home screening. During a skin cancer screening at the dermatologist’s office, the dermatologist will examine your skin for any growths or lesions. They may perform a biopsy during the appointment, or they may treat any precancerous growths that they have identified. This also allows your dermatologist to maintain a record of your moles to more easily monitor them throughout the years.
When Should I See a Dermatologist?
Because a Spitz nevus can be so easily confused with melanoma, it’s important to seek dermatological care when you notice the growth. Melanoma is a fast-growing skin cancer that forms in the melanocytes of your body. Although melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer, it can be treated successfully if detected early. So, it is important to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist as soon as you notice an abnormal growth.
Whether you would like to begin monitoring your moles annually or have already identified a concerning mole, Vujevich Dermatology Associates has highly-trained, board certified dermatologists to perform skin cancer screenings and Spitz nevus removals. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and screening with one of our expert dermatologists or learn more about Spitz nevi treatment options.