Paediatric Spitzoid Neoplasms: 10-Year Retrospective Study Characterizing Histological, Clinical, Dermoscopic Presentation and FISH Test Results.

Spitzoid lesions are a wide tumour class comprising Spitz nevus (SN), atypical Spitz tumour (AST) and Spitz melanoma (SM). We conducted a single-centre-based retrospective survey on all histologically diagnosed spitzoid lesions of paediatric patients (1-18 years) of the last 10 years (2012-2022). Histopathological reports and electronic records of patients were used to retrieve relevant data regarding patients' features, clinical and dermatoscopical aspects of lesions when recorded, and FISH tests when present. Of 255 lesions, 82% were histologically benign, 17% atypical, 1% malignant. Clinically, 100% of SM were large (≥6 mm) and raised; AST were mainly large (63%), raised (98%), pink (95%). Small (≤5 mm), pigmented, flat lesions correlated with benign histology (respectively 90%, 97%, 98% SN) ( This study confirmed predominant benign histology (82%) of paediatric spitzoid lesions, thus detecting 17% AST and 1% SM, highlighting the need for caution in handling spitzoid lesions. Until AST are considered potentially malignant proliferations and no reliable criteria are identified to distinguish them, the authors suggest a prudent approach, especially in children.