Lentigo Maligna Melanoma: Everything You Need To Know about This Skin Cancer

Lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) is a rare and serious form of skin cancer. It typically affects sun-exposed areas, such as the face or hands, and appears as a discolored patch of skin with dark brown or black pigmentation. While it can be cured if detected early enough, it can also become life-threatening if left untreated. This article is designed to provide medical professionals with essential information about LMM. It will cover the signs and symptoms to look out for, how to diagnose it, treatments that are available and ways to prevent developing this type of skin cancer.

What is Lentigo Maligna Melanoma?

Lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) is a type of skin cancer that arises in pre-existing nevi or moles. LMM is considered to be a slow-growing form of melanoma, and it is more common in older adults. This type of melanoma can occur on any part of the body, but it is most often found on the face, head, neck, or hands.

LMM is characterized by the presence of atypical cells within the nevus or mole. These atypical cells may proliferate and invade surrounding tissues over time. If left untreated, LMM can spread to other organs and tissues, leading to serious health complications. Early diagnosis and treatment of LMM is essential for preventing its progression.

There are several risk factors for developing LMM, including fair skin complexion, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning beds, a history of sunburns, and a family history of melanoma. People with these risk factors should undergo regular skin examinations by a dermatologist to screen for early signs of LMM.

How is Lentigo Maligna Melanoma Diagnosed?

Lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) is a type of skin cancer that arises in cells that produce pigment (melanocytes). LMM can develop anywhere on the body, but is most commonly found on the face, head, or neck.

The earliest sign of LMM is usually a flat, brownish patch on the skin that gradually enlarges and darkens over time. LMM can also appear as a raised area of skin with a crusted surface.

If you notice any changes in your skin, it is important to see a dermatologist for evaluation.
There are several types of biopsies that can be performed, but the most common is an excisional biopsy. This procedure involves removing the entire suspicious area of skin with a scalpel. The tissue sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

How is Lentigo Maligna Melanoma Treated?

Lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) is a type of skin cancer that arises in pre-existing benign nevi, also known as lentigines. LMM is slow-growing and tends to be found on the face, head, and neck of older adults with a history of sun exposure. The treatment of LMM depends on the stage of the disease.

In early stages, LMM can be treated with topical chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. Topical chemotherapy is applied to the skin and works by killing cancer cells. Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. Surgery involves removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue.

In more advanced stages, LMM is often treated with systemic therapy, which is medication that is taken by mouth or injected into a vein. Systemic therapy works by killing cancer cells throughout the body. The most common systemic therapies used to treat LMM are immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Immunotherapy helps the immune system kill cancer cells. Targeted therapy targets specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.

LMM can also be treated with adjuvant therapy after surgery to help lower the risk of the cancer coming back. Adjuvant therapy can be given as immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Lentigo maligna melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can be difficult to diagnose due to its slow growth and subtle signs. It is important for medical professionals to be aware of the risk factors, diagnosis methods, and treatment options available for this condition in order to provide the best possible care. With early detection, lentigo maligna melanoma can usually be successfully treated with surgical excision or topical treatments such as imiquimod cream or photodynamic therapy.

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