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Lentigo causes, prevention and treatment

Wednesday, January 23rd 2013. | Diseases & Condition

We called lentigines senile simple or small spots and pigmentation, usually associated with age, appearing in areas of skin that have accumulated greater exposure to the sun, like the face and hands. The lentigo simplex is kind and represents only a cosmetic problem. However, it may be a variant that is malignant, in fact, one of the embodiments of the melanoma, a skin cancer dangerous to be detected in time to heal.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • The lentigo may be benign, so it is only a cosmetic problem, or is a dangerous malignant skin cancer to be detected in time to heal.
  • It usually occurs in the same areas as benign, but tend to be larger and have an irregular shape, and various shades of color inside. Moreover, growth is continuous.
  • They are related to the accumulation of sun on the skin over the years.

How to distinguish a benign lentigo malignant one ?

The benign lentigines are classic or simple sunspots having men and women from age 50. Usually distributed by the back of the hands, temples or cheeks, because they are areas that the sun has touched throughout life. They are colored spots ranging from light brown to black, but usually have a regular shape, with well-defined edges and a uniform color.

Lentigo Lentigo causes, prevention and treatment

People who have undergone a more intense exposure to the sun, either for work (construction workers, sailors, laborers) or recreational (amateur beach, outdoor sports or navigation, for example), lentigines may have more, and in most skin areas.

The lentigo maligna, in turn, tends to appear in the same areas as benign, but tend to be larger and have an irregular shape, and various shades of color inside. Moreover, growth is continuous.


What is the diagnostic test ?

Any suspicion of lentigo maligna, you should see a dermatologist. In many cases, the lentigo maligna may be suspected by the shape and color of the stain, but the diagnosis can only be confirmed with a biopsy under local anesthesia. 

How can it be prevented ?

Both simple and malignant lentigo relate to the accumulation of sun on the skin over the years. Prevention consists, therefore, in the sunscreen. Avoid the sun in the middle of the day and use sunscreen cream high enough for all skin types (usually SPF 30 or higher). Do not forget, in addition, the use of physical measures, such as hats, visors, shirts, sunglasses and umbrellas.

How simple can be benign lentigines ?

The first consideration should be that the treatment can only be done by counting with a good diagnosis. If you want to remove lentigines, a dermatologist should explore first to rule out any of them could be amelanoma.

If it is confirmed that it is simple or benign lentigines, can be treated by applying chemicals (Peeling), laser, intense pulsed light or cryotherapy.

And the lentigo maligna ?

The lentigo maligna melanoma is a form of a skin cancer metastasis that can be extended and even causing death. Treatment should be early, when it has reached the stage of invasion. In general, surgery is done through, removing the stain with an adequate safety margin. The biopsy serves to ensure complete removal and diagnosis.

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