Lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma. Recognition and treatment

Lentigo maligna is the preinvasive stage of lentigo maligna melanom, which is a specific type of cutaneous malignant melanom found almost exclusively in the head and neck area. The distinguishing features and the biological behavior of this disease are discussed. Emphasis is placed on early diagnosis by clinical differentiation from other pigmented lesions and by biopsy specimen. Treatment by adequate surgical removal with appropriate reconstruction is discussed and illustrated with case reports.