Is melanocytic nevus with focal atypical epithelioid components (clonal nevus) a superficial variant of deep penetrating nevus?

Background: We compare features of two similar nevi which may be confused with melanoma: deep penetrating nevus (DPN), and nevus with focal atypical epithelioid component (NFAEC).

Methods: Clinical/demographic and histologic information regarding 146 DPN and 81 NFAEC were compared. Patient outcomes were ascertained via a questionnaire solicited to the referring physicians.