Lentigo maligna

Lentigo Maligna

Lentigo Maligna (pronunciation: len-TI-go mal-IG-na) is a type of melanoma that typically occurs on the sun-exposed skin of elderly individuals. It is a slow-growing form of skin cancer that is often associated with long-term sun exposure.

Etymology

The term "Lentigo Maligna" is derived from the Latin word "lentigo", meaning freckle, and the Latin word "maligna", meaning malignant or harmful.

Definition

Lentigo Maligna is a type of melanoma in situ, which means it is a melanoma that is confined to the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis. It is characterized by a flat, mottled, and irregularly shaped patch of skin that is brown to black in color.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of Lentigo Maligna is a flat, irregularly shaped patch of skin that slowly enlarges over time. The patch may be a variety of colors, including tan, brown, black, or pink. It is most commonly found on the face, neck, or arms, but can occur anywhere on the body.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Lentigo Maligna is typically made through a biopsy, where a small sample of the affected skin is removed and examined under a microscope.

Treatment

Treatment options for Lentigo Maligna include surgical removal of the affected skin, Mohs surgery, radiation therapy, and topical treatments. The choice of treatment depends on the size and location of the lesion, as well as the patient's overall health.

Related Terms

• Melanoma
• Melanoma in situ
• Epidermis
• Biopsy
• Mohs surgery

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Lentigo maligna
• Wikipedia's article - Lentigo maligna

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.

---

Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski