What should you know about early stage lentigo maligna melanoma?

It often appears as a slowly enlarging, unevenly coloured patch on chronically sun-exposed skin, such as the face, scalp, or neck. The border may be irregular, with shades that range from light brown to very dark brown. A new lump, thicker area, bleeding, ulceration, or faster change can indicate that the lesion needs especially prompt review. A clinician may examine the patch with magnification and biopsy part or all of it to confirm the diagnosis and measure its depth.

Arrange care with a dermatologist experienced in skin cancer. Treatment commonly focuses on removing the abnormal area with an appropriate margin, while the method depends on its site, size, edges, and confirmed depth. Options may include [Surgical Excision] or another form of [Skin Cancer Surgery]. Protect nearby skin from further ultraviolet exposure with shade, clothing, and suitable sunscreen, but do not use sun protection as a substitute for treatment.

Seek prompt assessment for a patch that is changing in colour, outline, size, or texture, or for bleeding, crusting, tenderness, or a new firm area. After diagnosis, report new lumps near the lesion, persistent swollen glands, unexplained symptoms, or changes at the treatment site. Your specialist decides whether staging tests, including [Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy], are relevant.

Ask whether the biopsy shows melanoma limited to the surface or with invasion, what margin and procedure are recommended, and how reconstruction may affect the result. Ask about wound care, sun protection, and the schedule for [Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment].