Lentigo: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Lentigo Maligna Melanoma Left Central Malar Cheek.jpg|thumb | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Lentigo | |||
| image = [[File:Female_skin_large.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Lentigo on the skin | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| synonyms = Lentigines | |||
| symptoms = Small, pigmented spots on the skin | |||
| complications = None | |||
| onset = Childhood or adulthood | |||
| duration = Long-term | |||
| causes = [[Sun exposure]], [[genetic factors]] | |||
| risks = [[Ultraviolet radiation]], [[fair skin]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[dermoscopy]] | |||
| differential = [[Freckle]], [[melanoma]], [[seborrheic keratosis]] | |||
| prevention = [[Sun protection]], [[sunscreen]] | |||
| treatment = [[Cryotherapy]], [[laser therapy]], [[topical retinoids]] | |||
| prognosis = Benign | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Lentigo Maligna Melanoma Left Central Malar Cheek.jpg|left|thumb|Close-up view of a lentigo.]] | |||
== Lentigo == | == Lentigo == | ||
'''Lentigo''' refers to a small, pigmented flat or slightly raised spot on the skin with a clearly defined edge. It resembles a freckle but is darker in color and does not fade in the winter. These spots are caused by an increased number of melanocytes, the skin cells that produce pigment. | '''Lentigo''' refers to a small, pigmented flat or slightly raised spot on the skin with a clearly defined edge. It resembles a freckle but is darker in color and does not fade in the winter. These spots are caused by an increased number of melanocytes, the skin cells that produce pigment. | ||
== Introduction == | |||
== | |||
Lentigines (plural of lentigo) are benign lesions, meaning they are non-cancerous. However, they can sometimes be confused with [[melanoma]], a type of skin cancer, due to their dark pigmentation. It's essential to differentiate between the two and seek medical evaluation for any suspicious lesions. | Lentigines (plural of lentigo) are benign lesions, meaning they are non-cancerous. However, they can sometimes be confused with [[melanoma]], a type of skin cancer, due to their dark pigmentation. It's essential to differentiate between the two and seek medical evaluation for any suspicious lesions. | ||
== Types of Lentigo == | == Types of Lentigo == | ||
There are several different types of lentigines, including: | There are several different types of lentigines, including: | ||
* '''Simple Lentigo:''' The most common type, often appearing in childhood. | * '''Simple Lentigo:''' The most common type, often appearing in childhood. | ||
* '''Solar Lentigo:''' Also known as sun spots, liver spots, or age spots, these appear in older adults due to sun exposure. | * '''Solar Lentigo:''' Also known as sun spots, liver spots, or age spots, these appear in older adults due to sun exposure. | ||
* '''Lentigo Maligna:''' A type of in-situ melanoma. This form can progress to invasive melanoma if not treated. | * '''Lentigo Maligna:''' A type of in-situ melanoma. This form can progress to invasive melanoma if not treated. | ||
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== Causes and Risk Factors == | == Causes and Risk Factors == | ||
* '''Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation:''' Sun exposure can lead to the development of solar lentigines. | * '''Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation:''' Sun exposure can lead to the development of solar lentigines. | ||
* '''Genetics:''' Some individuals may inherit a tendency to develop lentigines. | * '''Genetics:''' Some individuals may inherit a tendency to develop lentigines. | ||
* '''Age:''' Older adults are more prone to developing certain types of lentigo, like solar lentigo. | * '''Age:''' Older adults are more prone to developing certain types of lentigo, like solar lentigo. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
A dermatologist can typically diagnose lentigo through a visual examination. However, if there's any doubt, a skin biopsy might be performed to differentiate between a benign lentigo and melanoma. | A dermatologist can typically diagnose lentigo through a visual examination. However, if there's any doubt, a skin biopsy might be performed to differentiate between a benign lentigo and melanoma. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
While lentigines are benign and do not require treatment, some people opt for removal due to cosmetic reasons. Treatment options include: | While lentigines are benign and do not require treatment, some people opt for removal due to cosmetic reasons. Treatment options include: | ||
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* '''Laser therapy:''' Using intense light to break up the pigment. | * '''Laser therapy:''' Using intense light to break up the pigment. | ||
* '''Topical treatments:''' Creams or gels that lighten the spot. | * '''Topical treatments:''' Creams or gels that lighten the spot. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Protecting the skin from the sun's harmful UV rays can prevent the formation of solar lentigines. This includes wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours. | Protecting the skin from the sun's harmful UV rays can prevent the formation of solar lentigines. This includes wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Melanocyte]] | * [[Melanocyte]] | ||
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* [[Skin pigmentation]] | * [[Skin pigmentation]] | ||
* [[Ultraviolet radiation]] | * [[Ultraviolet radiation]] | ||
== External Links == | == External Links == | ||
* [https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/color-problems/lentigo American Academy of Dermatology on Lentigo] | * [https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/color-problems/lentigo American Academy of Dermatology on Lentigo] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Skin conditions]] | [[Category:Skin conditions]] | ||
{{stb}} | {{stb}} | ||
Latest revision as of 00:40, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Lentigo | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Lentigines |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Small, pigmented spots on the skin |
| Complications | None |
| Onset | Childhood or adulthood |
| Duration | Long-term |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Sun exposure, genetic factors |
| Risks | Ultraviolet radiation, fair skin |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, dermoscopy |
| Differential diagnosis | Freckle, melanoma, seborrheic keratosis |
| Prevention | Sun protection, sunscreen |
| Treatment | Cryotherapy, laser therapy, topical retinoids |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Benign |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
Lentigo[edit]
Lentigo refers to a small, pigmented flat or slightly raised spot on the skin with a clearly defined edge. It resembles a freckle but is darker in color and does not fade in the winter. These spots are caused by an increased number of melanocytes, the skin cells that produce pigment.
Introduction[edit]
Lentigines (plural of lentigo) are benign lesions, meaning they are non-cancerous. However, they can sometimes be confused with melanoma, a type of skin cancer, due to their dark pigmentation. It's essential to differentiate between the two and seek medical evaluation for any suspicious lesions.
Types of Lentigo[edit]
There are several different types of lentigines, including:
- Simple Lentigo: The most common type, often appearing in childhood.
- Solar Lentigo: Also known as sun spots, liver spots, or age spots, these appear in older adults due to sun exposure.
- Lentigo Maligna: A type of in-situ melanoma. This form can progress to invasive melanoma if not treated.
Causes and Risk Factors[edit]
- Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation: Sun exposure can lead to the development of solar lentigines.
- Genetics: Some individuals may inherit a tendency to develop lentigines.
- Age: Older adults are more prone to developing certain types of lentigo, like solar lentigo.
Diagnosis[edit]
A dermatologist can typically diagnose lentigo through a visual examination. However, if there's any doubt, a skin biopsy might be performed to differentiate between a benign lentigo and melanoma.
Treatment[edit]
While lentigines are benign and do not require treatment, some people opt for removal due to cosmetic reasons. Treatment options include:
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the spot with liquid nitrogen.
- Laser therapy: Using intense light to break up the pigment.
- Topical treatments: Creams or gels that lighten the spot.
Prevention[edit]
Protecting the skin from the sun's harmful UV rays can prevent the formation of solar lentigines. This includes wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours.
See Also[edit]
External Links[edit]
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