Lentigo Maligna vs Melanoma

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Lentigo Maligna
Melanoma
Category
Malignant
Malignant
Key feature
The earliest stage of a specific melanoma type. A slowly expanding flat brown patch on sun-damaged facial skin.
The most dangerous skin cancer - but 99% survival when caught early. Learn the ABCDE signs.
Risk factors
Chronic cumulative sun exposure on fair skin; Age over 60 (median age 65-70); History of significant sun damage (solar elastosis)
Fair skin, light eyes, red or blond hair (Fitzpatrick types I-II); History of blistering sunburns, especially before age 18; More than 50 ordinary moles on the body
Action needed
A flat brown patch on the face that has been slowly expanding
A new mole or spot that looks different from your other moles (the ugly duckling sign)

Lentigo Maligna

Lentigo maligna (LM) is a form of melanoma in situ - meaning the malignant melanocytes are confined to the epidermis and have not yet invaded deeper layers. It occurs on chronically sun-damaged skin, most commonly the face (especially the cheeks, nose, and forehead) of elderly individuals.

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Melanoma

Melanoma develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin and give your skin its color. While it accounts for only about 1% of skin cancers, it causes most of skin cancer deaths. The good news: when detected at stage I, the five-year survival rate exceeds 99%.

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Does yours look more like lentigo maligna?

Quick self-check

Does this look like lentigo maligna? Answer 2 questions.

Is it a flat brown patch on sun-damaged facial skin?

Has it been slowly growing or changing over months to years?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

Full ABCDE check →