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Lentigo Maligna Melanoma, In Situ
The development of eccentric pigmentation within a previously stable pigmented lesion may indicate malignant degeneration, as was the case here. Of all melanomas, lentigo maligna melanoma has the best overall prognosis.
An 82-year-old man complained about an asymptomatic “spot” on his chest within which a darker area had recently developed.
Key point: Physical examination revealed a large pigmented macule on the right upper chest. A darker area was eccentrically placed within the larger lesion. A biopsy revealed lentigo maligna melanoma, in situ.
Treatment: The lesion was removed by simple excision with a 5-mm border of normal skin.
Note: The development of eccentric pigmentation within a heretofore stable pigmented lesion may indicate malignant degeneration. There is some debate about the optimal border of normal skin to remove, with proponents of anywhere from several millimeters to nearly a centimeter. Lentigo maligna melanoma has the best overall prognosis among all types of melanomas.
