Lentigo, should I be concerned?

Simple lentigo is benign and only represents a cosmetic problem. However, it may have a malignant variant that is, in fact, one of the forms of presentation of melanoma, a dangerous skin cancer that must be detected in time to be cured.

• Lentigo can be benign, which is only an aesthetic problem, or malignant, which is a dangerous skin cancer that must be detected in time to be cured.
• It usually appears in the same areas as benign ones, but they are usually larger and have an irregular shape, and various shades of color inside. In addition, its growth is continuous.
• They are related to the accumulation of sun on the skin over the years.

How to distinguish a benign lentigo from a malignant one?

The benign or simple lentigos are the classics that men and women present from the 50 years. They are usually distributed on the back of the hands, temples or cheeks, because they are areas that have been touched by the sun throughout life. They are spots of color ranging from light brown to black, but generally they have a regular shape, with well-defined edges and a uniform color.

People who have undergone more intense exposure to the sun, whether for work reasons (bricklayers, sailors, field workers) or recreational reasons (fans of the beach, outdoor sports or sailing, for example), they can present more lentigos, and in more zones of the skin.

Malignant lentigo, on the other hand, usually appears in the same areas as benign ones, but they are usually larger and have an irregular shape, and various shades of color inside. In addition, its growth is continuous.

What is the diagnostic test?

In the event of any suspicion of lentigo maligna, a dermatologist should be consulted. On many occasions, lentigo maligna can be suspected from the shape and color of the spot, but the diagnosis can only be confirmed by performing a biopsy under local anesthesia.

How can they be prevented?

Both simple and malignant lentigos are related to the accumulation of sun on the skin over the years. Prevention therefore consists of sun protection. Avoid the sun in the central hours of the day and use sunscreen creams high enough for each skin type (generally factor 30 or higher). In addition, the use of physical measures such as caps, visors, T-shirts, sunglasses and umbrellas should not be forgotten.

How can benign simple lentigos be treated?

The first consideration should be that treatment can only be done with a good diagnosis. If lentigos are to be removed, a dermatologist must first explore them to rule out that any of them may be a

If it is confirmed that they are simple or benign lentigos, they can be treated by applying chemical substances (Peeling), laser, intense pulsed light or cryotherapy.

And the malignant lentigo?

Lentigo maligna is a form of melanoma, a skin cancer that can spread, causing metastasis and even death. Treatment should be early, when the invasion phase has not been reached. In general, it is done by surgery, removing the stain with an adequate margin of safety. The biopsy serves to ensure diagnosis and complete removal.