lentigo; melanocytic macule

Introduction

A brown macule resembling a freckle.

Etiology

• multiple mucosal lentigenes associated with
  • Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
  • Laugier-Hunziker syndrome
• idiopathic

Pathology

• proliferation of the rete ridges
• scattered melanocytes (increased numbers) are seen in the basal cell layer
• increased pigment occur in the epidermis

Clinical manifestations

• 0.3-1.5 cm macule
• tan to black in color
• distribution
  • most commonly in sun-exposed areas
  • face, lower lip, upper trunk, extremities
• borders are generally regular

* images

Management

• observation
• cryosurgery
• lasers that target melanin

More general terms

• skin neoplasm

More specific terms

• lentigo maligna
• lentigo simplex
• melanotic macule; labial lentigo
• solar (senile) lentigo

Additional terms

• dermal melanocytic nevus (basal cell nevus)