Premium
Spitzoid melanoma in children: clinicopathological study and application of immunohistochemistry as an adjunct diagnostic tool
Author(s) -
Paradela Sabela,
Fonseca Eduardo,
Pita Salvador,
Kantrow Sara M.,
Goncharuk Viktor N.,
Diwan Hafeez,
Prieto Victor G.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of cutaneous pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.597
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1600-0560
pISSN - 0303-6987
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0560.2008.01153.x
Subject(s) - adjunct , immunohistochemistry , medicine , melanoma , spitz nevus , pathology , dermatology , anatomical pathology , nevus , cancer research , philosophy , linguistics
The term spitzoid melanoma (SM) is reserved for a rare group of tumors with striking resemblance to Spitz nevus, often developing in children diagnosed in retrospect after the development of metastases. Objectives: To determine the biological significance of SM and to analyze the effectiveness of adjuvant diagnostic techniques. Materials and methods: A retrospective, observational study of 38 cases of SM in patients younger than 18 years. Histological type, Clark level and Breslow thickness, radial and vertical growth phase, mitotic count/mm 2 , ulceration, regression, vascular and perineural invasion, satellitosis, cytology and associated nevi were reviewed. An immunohistochemical analysis with HMB45 and Ki67 was performed in 10 cases. These features were correlated to patient’s stage and outcome. Results: Analysis of histological and immunohistochemical features should allow accurate diagnosis in most cases. Given the low mortality rate, no conclusions about the prognostic significance of histological parameters of the primary tumor could be established. Conclusion: We report the largest series of SM from a unique center. Although these patients may have a better prognosis than adults, some patients with SM develop metastasis and die, particularly after age 11 years. Therefore, we recommend using the same treatments as in adults.