Is lentigo maligna melanoma fatal?

Lentigo maligna is not dangerous; it only becomes potentially life threatening if an invasive melanoma develops within it. Long term follow-up involves reviewing the treated area and full skin examination to identify new lesions of concern.

Is lentigo maligna melanoma cancerous?

Lentigo maligna melanoma is a rare type of melanoma skin cancer, accounting for about 5 percent of all melanomas, according to the NCI. It’s also sometimes called Hutchinson’s melanotic freckle.

What is the difference between lentigo and lentigo maligna?

Lentigo maligna (LM), first described by Hutchinson in 1890, is the noninvasive counterpart to lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM). The latter (LMM) refers to invasive melanoma associated with a LM. LM and LMM occur on chronically sun-damaged skin, most commonly on the head and neck.

What is the prognosis of lentigo maligna melanoma?

From the time the metastasis is diagnosed, the median survival is 6-7.5 months, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 6%. Patients with neck and scalp melanoma have shorter survival compared with melanoma at other sites (extremities, face, trunk).

Is lentigo maligna slow growing?

Lentigo maligna melanoma These melanomas develop from very slow growing coloured patches of skin called lentigo maligna or Hutchinson’s melanotic freckle. The lentigo maligna is flat and grows outwards in the surface layers of the skin. It might slowly get bigger over several years and might change shape or colour.

Can you live a normal life with melanoma?

The overall average 5-year survival rate for all patients with melanoma is 92%. This means 92 of every 100 people diagnosed with melanoma will be alive in 5 years. In the very early stages the 5-year survival rate is 99%. Once melanoma has spread to the lymph nodes the 5-year survival rate is 63%.