[The Spitz nevus. Spindle cell and/or epithelioid cell nevus--a histological analysis of 652 tumors]

652 Spitz' nevi have been histologically analysed and separated into epidermal and dermal changes. There are similarities between Spitz' nevus and melanocytic nevus. 44.9% of the examined Spitz' nevi consist of spindle cells only, 34% of spindle as well as epithelioid cells, and 21% of epithelioid cells only. We are going to discuss the difficulties in histological examination; more or less important signs are differentiated in detail. In some cases, Spitz' nevus will remain a somewhat dubious and disturbing tumor.