Lentigo Maligna Melanoma

Lentigo maligna melanoma is a rare variant of melanoma that usually develops on sun-damaged skin in elderly individuals (most commonly in the 6th and 7th decades of life). It accounts for about 4% of cutaneous melanomas in the US. The most common sites of involvement are the malar region, nose, temple and forehead. The tumor presents as a variably pigmented, irregular, flat macule that may be brown or black in color. The in-situ component (represented here by lighter brown areas) is usually present for a decade or more before invasive melanoma develops (darker, jet black areas).