Back to Basics

ABSTRACT Lentigo maligna (LM) is a melanocytic neoplasm that occurs on chronically sun-exposed skin commonly affecting middle-aged and elderly patients, which can progress to LM melanoma if left untreated or misdiagnosed. LM can be confused with other dermatologic conditions such as pigmented actinic keratosis, solar lentigo, and seborrheic keratosis. Therefore, clinicians should know the various clinical features that can distinguish LM from other differential diagnoses. Although multiple treatment modalities exist for LM, surgical excision remains the gold standard for the treatment of LM and results in an excellent prognosis for treated patients. This article discusses the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of LM so that dermatology nurses are better prepared to care for patients with LM.