The labial melanotic macule

Fifty-five cases of a melanotic lesion of the lips which is well known, but not well described, are reported. The lesions characteristically occur on the lower lips of young adults. Males and females are equally affected. These lesions may be ephelides, postinflammatory melanoses, or unique lesions for which there is no exact cutaneous counterpart. We suggest the term labial melanotic macule as a descriptive one which would encompass the three different constituent entities. On the basis of follow-up information obtained and the histopathologic character of the lesions, this entity is benign and does not, in our opinion, have any malignant potential.