Lentigo maligna melanoma of the left temple, Clarke level II, tumor thickness 0.17 mmLentigo maligna melanoma is a melanoma that has evolved from a lentigo maligna. Lentigo maligna is a melanoma in situ, it does not show invasiuve growth but contains malignant cells. The progress of lentigo maligna is very slowly, it can remain non-invasive form for years. The transition to a true melanoma is marked by the appearance of a bumpy surface, which is a marker of vertical growth and invasion. Once a lentigo maligna becomes a lentigo maligna melanoma, it is treated as if it were an invasive melanoma. Lentigo maligna forms on skin areas with high exposure to sunlight and is most commonly seen in elderly patients.
