Lentigo maligna

Lentigo maligna is a type of growth that develops on areas often exposed to the sun over a long period of time, including the face, arms and legs. Lentigo maligna starts as a flat spot with an uneven shape that slowly gets bigger. When it first appears, a lentigo maligna usually is brown or brown-black. Later, it might develop red and white patches. Over time, the spot may turn into melanoma. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in the top layer of skin. It then moves to the layers of skin underneath.

See your health care professional if you notice:

• A new skin growth.
• Changes to a mole you already have, such as a change in size, shape or color.
• A mole that bleeds or becomes itchy or painful.
• Any skin changes that are out of the ordinary for you.