The deep penetrating nevus.

Abstract

The deep penetrating nevus (DPN), also known as the plexiform spindle cell nevus, is a pigmented lesion that commonly arises on the head and neck in the first few decades of life. Histopathologically, the DPN is wedge-shaped and contains melanocytes that exhibit deep infiltration into the dermis. Given these features, DPN may clinically and histopathologically mimic malignant melanoma, sparking confusion about the appropriate evaluation and management of these lesions. The goal of this review is to summarize the clinical and histopathological features of DPN and to discuss diagnostic and treatment strategies for dermatologists.

• Authors: Lauren Strazzula, Maryanne Makredes Senna, Mariko Yasuda, Leah Belazarian
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 71 Issue 6 Pg. 1234-40 (Dec 2014) ISSN: 1097-6787 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25175710 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Diagnosis, Differential
• Epithelioid Cells (pathology)
• Humans
• Melanocytes (pathology)
• Melanoma (pathology, therapy)
• Nevus (pathology, therapy)
• Nevus, Spindle Cell (pathology, therapy)
• Skin Neoplasms (pathology, therapy)