Comprehensive analysis of spitzoid melanocytic neoplasms: new insights on their mRNA expression profile and their immunogenic properties

Spitzoid melanocytic tumors are uncommon skin lesions composed of large epithelioid and/or spindle shaped melanocytes. They often occur in childhood or adolescence as sharply circumscribed, dome-shaped, pink to reddish papules and are most often localized on the face or lower extremity. Although Spitz tumors are rare, their relevance lies in their close histopathological resemblance to malignant melanoma. Despite numerous research efforts to better understand the biological nature of Spitzoid melanocytic tumors, the moleculargenetic characteristics of Spitzoid melanocytic tumors remain poorly understood. Furthermore, it is well known that these lesions evoke a strong inflammatory response, but a characterization of their inflammatory microenvironment has been pending so far. Thus, the research presented in this thesis focused on the moleculargenetic background, the immunogenic properties, and the tumor microenvironment of Spitzoid melanocytic lesions.