Is there a new spot on your child's skin? Could it be a Spitz Nevus? Let's talk!

It's normal to feel a little scared when you suddenly notice a new spot, maybe a small blister, on your little one's skin, isn't it? Especially when it looks a little different, and you wonder, 'What is this?' At such a time, one question that comes to your mind is this condition (Spitz Nevus).

What is (Spitz Nevus)?

Simply put, a Spitz Nevus is a non-cancerous (benign) birthmark, which means it is not dangerous . However, these are most often seen in young children. They usually look like a pink, slightly raised bump. However, they can sometimes be flat, rough, or have other colors such as blue, black, or brown. Sometimes doctors also call them Epithelioid Nevus or Spindle-cell Nevus.

Seeing a Spitz Nevus on your child's skin can be really worrying. They can sometimes look like a dangerous type of skin cancer called melanoma . But the good news is that a Spitz Nevi (that's the plural of Spitz Nevus) is not a skin cancer.

A Spitz Nevus is rare but nothing to worry about. However, it is important to see a doctor to find out exactly what it is and get a proper diagnosis. Most children with a Spitz Nevus do not need any treatment. However, if your child's Spitz Nevus starts to change in shape or size, your doctor may decide to remove it.

What does the name (Spitz Nevus) mean?

A Spitz Nevus is a medical name given to a specific type of birthmark .

• (Spitz): This name comes in honor of Dr. Sophie Spitz, an American pathologist who studied these birthmarks on young children in the late 1940s.
• (Nevus): This is the medical term for a birthmark. Birthmarks are formed when cells called (Melanocytes) in our skin (these are the cells that give our skin color) clump together, causing a change in the skin color in that area.

How common are Spitz Nevi?

Most people have several common birthmarks (also called acquired moles). These harmless birthmarks can appear at any time in life. Some fair-skinned people can have as many as 40 common birthmarks.

However, Spitz nevi are very rare . They account for only 1% of all birthmarks that are surgically removed (biopsied).

What causes (Spitz Nevus) to form?

Experts still don't know the exact cause of Spitz nevi. It is thought that some people may have a genetic mutation that increases their risk of developing these birthmarks.

Who is at higher risk of developing (Spitz Nevi)?

Birthmarks can develop on anyone, regardless of age, gender, or skin color. However, people with fair skin are more likely to develop Spitz Nevi. Most Spitz Nevi fall into the category of Acquired Moles, or normal birthmarks, meaning they appear after birth.

(Spitz Nevi) can appear at any time in life. Roughly speaking, about a third of these cases occur in each age group:

• 10 years ago.
• Between 10 and 20 years old.
• After 20 years.

Although very rare, a Spitz Nevus can be present at birth (we call it a Congenital Birthmark).

What does a (Spitz Nevus) look like?

A Spitz Nevus usually looks like a pink or red, oval-shaped bump. They can also be flat, blue, brown, orange, tan, or black.

Most people have just one (Spitz Nevus), but sometimes they can form in clusters.

Commonly seen features of Spitz Nevi are:

• It may resemble a wart.
• It gradually grows larger over several months, reaching a diameter of one centimeter (about half an inch).
• Sometimes there may be discharge, bleeding, or itching .
• After a few years, it can shrink and flatten out. Sometimes it disappears completely.

How does a melanoma look in a small child?

In fact, it is very rare for a child to develop melanoma. Even in the United States, fewer than 400 cases of childhood melanoma are reported each year. But if a child does develop melanoma, it can often look similar to a Spitz Nevus. This is what worries us a little.

Symptoms of a melanoma may include:

• An oval shape, like a bump or a lump.
• This lump appeared suddenly, grew quickly, and changed quickly.
• Most of the time, it's the same color, usually red, pink, purple, or even the same color as your skin.
• It has an itchy feel .
• It bleeds, it heals and then it starts bleeding again ((recurs)).

Most importantly: If you notice a new mole or bump on your child's skin, it can be difficult to tell for yourself whether it's a Spitz Nevus or a Melanoma. So see a dermatologist immediately .

Where do (Spitz Nevi) usually form?

A Spitz Nevus can develop anywhere on the body, but the most common locations are:

• Face
• Neck
• Trunk (abdomen)
• Hands
• Legs

How is Spitz Nevi diagnosed?

If you notice a new mole, spot, or change in an existing one on your or your child's skin , be sure to see a dermatologist . This is important because a Spitz Nevus and a Melanoma can look similar.

The doctor will examine the lump. He or she will ask you when you noticed it and if it has changed recently. In addition, the doctor may also do some tests, such as:

• Dermoscopy: This involves using a special magnifying lens (dermatoscope) to closely examine your mole for any abnormalities. It's like looking through a small telescope.
• Mole mapping: This involves using a special camera (attached to a dermatoscopic lens) to monitor changes in the shape, size, and color of moles. This helps to track changes over time.
• Skin biopsy: The only way to know for sure whether a mole is cancerous is to have a skin biopsy. Your dermatologist will take a small sample of skin tissue from the mole and test it in a lab to see if it has any signs of cancer .

How are Spitz Nevi treated?

People with many Spitz nevi may not need any treatment. However, your doctor may recommend annual skin exams and mole mapping to monitor any unusual changes in your moles.

However, in the following cases, the dermatologist may decide to surgically remove the Spitz Nevus and a small amount of surrounding skin and tissue:

• If the birthmark is asymmetrical in shape or has an irregular shape/pattern .
• If there is bleeding, oozing, or crusting.
• If the diameter is larger than one centimeter (half an inch) .

Can the formation of (Spitz Nevus) be prevented?

Birthmarks develop for reasons that are currently unknown. There is really nothing you can do to prevent yourself or your child from developing a Spitz Nevus.

How can skin cancer be prevented?

Everyone is at risk for skin cancer . You can take these steps to protect your skin from sun damage:

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day.– Even when you're indoors.
• Do not use tanning beds or sunlamps.
• Try to do as much outdoor work as possible before 10 am or after 4 pm, because the sun's rays are less intense at that time.
• If you absolutely have to be outside at that time , stay in a place with good shade.
• Wear sun-protective clothing when going outside. Wear a big hat and big sunglasses .

How to recognize abnormal skin changes?

You should regularly check your own skin and the skin of your children for changes in skin and moles. Doctors recommend that if someone in your family has had skin cancer, you should check your skin at least once a month. You can also take photos of moles so that you can easily identify changes.

The ABCDE rule can help you identify skin cancer. Look out for these signs:

• A – Asymmetrical: Look to see if the shape is asymmetrical or irregular. (This means that if you split the patch in half, the two sides are not the same.)
• B – Borders: Check if the edges are clear, jagged, or rough.
• C – Colors: Look for a combination of colors, such as brown, black, red, and blue. (But remember, a melanoma in a child is often a single color, which can usually be red, pink, purple, or skin-colored.)
• D – Diameter: See if it's larger than a pencil eraser (about an inch).
• E – Evolving: Look for changes such as whether the spot is getting bigger, changing shape or color, bleeding, or itching.

What is the outlook for someone with a (Spitz Nevus)?

Most children with Spitz nevi do not need surgery. However, if your child has a skin biopsy or surgery to remove the birthmark, a scar may be left behind. Very rarely, Spitz nevi can come back after removal. So you should check your child's skin and scar regularly. If you notice a lump or other skin change, see a doctor.

When should you see a doctor?

If you notice new birthmarks, skin changes, especially the ABCDE signs we talked about earlier, see your doctor immediately.

What should I ask the doctor?

When you see your doctor, you can ask questions like these:

• How often does my child need to come to the doctor's clinic for a skin check?
• How often should I check my and my child's skin at home?
• Do I need surgery to remove my child's (Spitz Nevus)?
• What can I do to reduce the risk of skin cancer in my family?

What is the difference between a (Spitz Nevus) and a (Spitzoid Melanoma)?

Very rarely, a doctor may misdiagnose a birthmark as a Spitz Nevus, when it is actually a Melanoma. Some doctors are even calling this new cancer diagnosis a Spitzoid Melanoma or a malignant Spitz Nevus. This shows the importance of a biopsy, doesn't it?

Can a (Spitz Nevus) become cancerous?

A mole that is correctly diagnosed as a Spitz Nevus does not turn into skin cancer. You either have a benign (Spitz Nevus) mole or a melanoma. If your doctor suspects that a mole is cancerous, they will definitely do a skin biopsy to confirm.

It's normal to be concerned when you see a new skin growth, especially a mole like a Spitz Nevus, which looks very similar to a melanoma. Although it's rare for a child to develop skin cancer, it's important to seek medical attention for any unusual skin changes. If your child has a Spitz Nevus, you'll need to check their skin regularly to monitor for changes. Ask your doctor how to check your skin at home for yourself and your child.

Take-Home Message

Okay, so now you have a better understanding of what we've been talking about (Spitz Nevus). Here are some important things to remember:

• A Spitz Nevus is a non-cancerous birthmark that often occurs in young children .
• They can sometimes look like dangerous skin cancer (melanoma), so be sure to see a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis.
• Most Spitz nevi do not require treatment.
• Be aware of new skin spots and changes in existing spots (especially ABCDE signs).
• Follow sun protection measures to protect yourself from skin cancer.
• If in doubt, don't be afraid to seek medical advice. That's the wisest thing to do.

Wishing you and your family good health!