Lentigo maligna melanoma

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
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Lentigo maligna melanoma
Synonyms	Hutchinson's melanotic freckle
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Skin lesion, pigmented skin, irregular borders
Complications	Metastasis, skin cancer
Onset	Typically in older adults
Duration	Chronic
Types	Melanoma
Causes	Ultraviolet radiation, genetic factors
Risks	Sun exposure, fair skin, age
Diagnosis	Biopsy, dermoscopy
Differential diagnosis	Seborrheic keratosis, solar lentigo, pigmented basal cell carcinoma
Prevention	Sun protection, regular skin checks
Treatment	Surgical excision, Mohs surgery, radiation therapy
Medication	Immunotherapy, targeted therapy
Prognosis	Generally good if detected early
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Lentigo Maligna Melanoma on the left central malar cheek

Lentigo Maligna Melanoma (LMM) is a type of melanoma that typically occurs in older adults, often in areas of the body that have been exposed to the sun. It is a slow-growing form of skin cancer that starts in cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment (color) in your skin.

Signs and Symptoms

The first sign of Lentigo Maligna Melanoma is often a patch of skin that looks like a freckle or age spot but gradually enlarges and changes color. The patch may be tan, brown, black, red, or white. It may also have an irregular border and different colors within it.

Causes

Lentigo Maligna Melanoma is caused by changes (mutations) in the DNA of skin cells. These mutations cause the cells to grow out of control and form a mass of cancerous cells. The exact cause of these mutations is not known, but they are thought to be related to long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Lentigo Maligna Melanoma usually involves a skin biopsy, in which a small sample of the suspicious skin is removed and examined under a microscope. Other tests, such as imaging tests or a sentinel lymph node biopsy, may be done to determine if the cancer has spread.

Treatment

Treatment for Lentigo Maligna Melanoma depends on the stage of the cancer and may include surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these.

Prognosis

The prognosis for Lentigo Maligna Melanoma depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and the response to treatment.

See Also

• Melanoma
• Skin Cancer
• Biopsy
• Radiation Therapy
• Immunotherapy

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