Lentigo Maligna

Summary

Lentigo Maligna is a flat, multicoloured mark that grows on the face.
It is forerunner of Malignant Melanoma and should be treated as soon as it is recognised.

What Causes Lentigo Maligna?

Lentigo Maligna is caused by the cumulative effect of ultraviolet light upon the DNA in skin cells. The more sun exposure you have had in your life, the more likely you are to get one. They tend to arise at sites of maximum sun exposure in people with fair skin.

What Is Lentigo Maligna?

Lentigo Maligna is a pre-cancer and most occur on the face. The abnormal cells are confined to the outer layer of the skin. While the cells remain confined to that layer alone, the disease cannot spread within the body.

What Will Happen To Lentigo Maligna?

The area enlarges over several years gradually developing an increasingly irregular edge and displaying more shades of brown. It is not possible to predict when or if the lesion will turn into a malignant melanoma.

Treatment Of Lentigo Maligna

Surgery produces the best cure rate and cosmetic result. Radiotherapy is a useful alternative, mainly in older patients. Other treatments such as imiquimod cream have been used but have a lower cure rate.

Prevention Of Lentigo Maligna

Wearing a sunscreen may help. Two ml of sunscreen with SPF 20 and *** to **** UVA protection should be applied to the face every morning. Sunscreens containing mexoryl are amongst the least white available.