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Spitz naevus is rare in Korea
1Korean Dermatopathology Group, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea. maychan@ajou.ac.kr
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
|July 15, 2009
Summary
Spitz naevi are rare in Korea and present differently than in Western countries. Korean Spitz naevi are often larger, pigmented, and dermal type, unlike those typically seen elsewhere.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Spitz naevi (SN) are uncommon melanocytic neoplasms.
- Limited data exists on SN epidemiology and characteristics in Asian populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology and clinicopathological features of Spitz naevi in Koreans.
- To compare these features with those reported in Western countries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 80 Spitz naevi cases diagnosed over 10 years in Korea.
- Inclusion of patient demographics, lesion characteristics, and histopathological findings.
- Immunohistochemical analysis for S-100 protein and HMB-45.
Main Results:
- Spitz naevus incidence in Korea was 1:10.9 compared to malignant melanoma.
- Lesions were frequently larger (> 6 months duration) and pigmented (49%).
- Dermal type Spitz naevi constituted 54% of cases; S-100 positivity was 100%, HMB-45 positivity was 47%.
Conclusions:
- Spitz naevus is a rare diagnosis in the Korean population.
- Korean Spitz naevi exhibit distinct features, being larger, more pigmented, and predominantly dermal type compared to Western counterparts.
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