A two-stage treatment of lentigo maligna using ablative laser therapy followed by imiquimod

Lentigo maligna (LM) is the most common subtype of melanoma in situ, with a rapidly growing incidence. It typically arises in chronically sun-exposed skin of elderly individuals. Estimates about the lifetime risk of LM progressing to lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) vary from 2.2 to 4.7% 1. The primary treatment goal is to completely eradicate the lesion and prevent recurrences. Surgical excision is the recommended treatment 2. Since LM occurs mainly in the head and neck region 3, important secondary goals are to minimize functional and cosmetic deformities. In large facial lesions or elderly patients, alternative nonsurgical treatments, or even a wait-and-see policy may be considered.

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