MALIGNANT LENTIGOS Meaning and
Definition
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Malignant lentigos, also known as lentigo maligna, is a type of skin cancer that primarily affects older adults, particularly those with fair skin, sun-damaged skin, and a history of sun exposure. It is a slow-growing form of melanoma that mostly develops on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, neck, and hands.
Lentigo maligna lesions typically appear as flat, irregularly shaped patches on the skin, varying in color from brown to black, with uneven borders. These patches may enlarge over time and transform into a more aggressive form called lentigo maligna melanoma. While malignant lentigos are generally less dangerous than other forms of melanoma, they still carry the risk of spreading to other parts of the body if left untreated.
Diagnosis of malignant lentigos usually involves a visual examination by a dermatologist, followed by a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. Treatment options can include surgical excision, Mohs surgery (a procedure that removes thin layers of skin until all cancerous cells are removed), cryosurgery (freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen), or radiation therapy.
Regular self-examinations, along with routine check-ups by a dermatologist, are crucial for early detection and intervention. Sun protection measures, such as wearing sunscreen, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and using protective clothing, are essential in preventing the development or progression of malignant lentigos. It is important to promptly consult a healthcare professional if any suspicious skin changes are noticed.
Common Misspellings for MALIGNANT LENTIGOS
- nalignant lentigos
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- jalignant lentigos
- mzlignant lentigos
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- maoignant lentigos
- malugnant lentigos
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- mal8gnant lentigos
- malifnant lentigos
- malivnant lentigos
- malibnant lentigos
- malihnant lentigos
Etymology of MALIGNANT LENTIGOS
The term "malignant lentigos" comes from the combination of two words: "malignant" and "lentigos".
"Malignant" originates from the Latin word "malignus", which means "wicked" or "badly disposed". It is derived from "malus", meaning "bad" or "evil". In medical terminology, "malignant" is used to describe the characteristics of cancer cells or tumors that tend to invade and spread to other parts of the body, thereby posing a significant health risk.
"Lentigos" refers to small, flat, darkened spots on the skin, commonly known as age spots or liver spots. The term is derived from the Latin word "lentigo", meaning "freckle".
