What should you know about lentigo maligna melanoma?

This melanoma often begins as a broad, irregular pigmented patch on sun-exposed skin and includes an area where melanoma cells have grown from the epidermis into deeper tissue. The invasive depth, ulceration, margins and other pathology findings help the team assess risk and choose care.

The patch may have existed for a long time before a raised or darker focus appears. A clinical examination cannot determine invasion reliably, so biopsy and pathology are essential. Staging may include assessment of nearby lymph nodes and selected imaging when the team considers it useful.

Meet with the treating dermatologist or skin-cancer team to review the pathology report and the planned operation. Surgical excision or other skin-cancer surgery is used to remove the primary lesion; the required approach depends on its borders, depth and location.

Some people are offered a sentinel lymph node biopsy to provide additional staging information. If melanoma has spread beyond the skin, the team may discuss tumour-removal surgery, immunotherapy or other oncology care. Keep every report and attend the recommended surveillance visits.

Contact the dermatology team promptly for a changing pigmented area, a new lump within it, bleeding, ulceration or persistent pain. After surgery, report wound redness that spreads, discharge, fever, wound opening or bleeding that does not stop with direct pressure. New headaches, weakness, confusion or seizures require urgent medical assessment.

Ask about the melanoma's depth, margins, stage and whether lymph-node assessment or imaging is advised. Discuss reconstruction, scar care, warning signs after treatment, the timing of follow-up and whether systemic treatment has a role in your situation.