Spitz Nevus vs Pyogenic Granuloma

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Spitz Nevus
Pyogenic Granuloma
Category
Benign
Benign
Key feature
A dome-shaped pink or brown mole common in children. Can closely resemble melanoma under the microscope - often excised for certainty.
A rapidly growing, bright red, easily bleeding bump. Looks alarming but is benign - name is misleading (not infectious).
Risk factors
Childhood and adolescence (peak incidence); Can occur at any age; No established environmental risk factors
Pregnancy (especially on the gums); Minor trauma to the site; Certain medications (retinoids, some targeted cancer therapies)
Action needed
A rapidly growing, dome-shaped pink or reddish mole in a child
A rapidly growing bright red bump that bleeds easily

Spitz Nevus

Spitz nevus is a distinctive type of benign melanocytic mole that most commonly occurs in children and teenagers, though it can appear at any age. It typically presents as a dome-shaped, well-defined, pink, red, or brown papule that grows relatively quickly to a size of 5-10mm.

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Pyogenic Granuloma

Pyogenic granuloma is a rapidly growing, bright red to dark red, dome-shaped vascular nodule that bleeds easily and profusely with minor trauma. Despite its alarming name, it is neither pyogenic (caused by infection) nor a true granuloma - it is a benign overgrowth of blood vessels (lobular capillary hemangioma).

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Does yours look more like spitz nevus?

Quick self-check

Does this look like spitz nevus? Answer 2 questions.

Is it a dome-shaped, well-defined pink or reddish bump in a child or teenager?

Did it grow relatively quickly to its current size?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

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