Conceptual Evolution and Current Approach to Spitz Tumors

Abstract

Over the past several decades, the study of Spitz neoplasms has flourished, with expanded conceptualization and refined terminology, providing a framework for the assessment and classification of Spitz nevi, atypical Spitz Tumors, and Spitz melanoma. Cancer genomics have generated concepts such as driver and passenger genes and clonal evolution, which can be applied to Spitz tumors. Herein, we provide a historical perspective, followed by a summary of current knowledge and clinical approaches for these challenging tumors.

Keywords

• spitz nevus
• atypical spitz tumor
• spitz melanoma
• dermatopathology