Case Reports of Spitz Nevus with a Halo Phenomenon / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

Halo nevus clinically presents as a nevus with a surrounding ring of depigmentation that histopathologically demonstrates a dense lymphocytic reaction to the melanocytic component of the epidermis. While melanocytic nevi with halo phenomena are common, a halo reaction is uncommon in Spitz nevus. When a halo reaction develops around a Spitz nevus, differential diagnosis from melanoma arising from pre-existing nevus is difficult due to the presence of dense inflammatory components. A halo reaction itself can increase the cytologic atypia of melanocytes and can obscure nest maturation. Herein, we report rare cases of Spitz nevus combined with a halo reaction. It is important to note that the halo phenomenon can occur without a clinically evident white patch and that the architectural features of the nevus components can be used to distinguish Spitz nevus from malignant melanoma.