Lentigo maligna (LM) on the temple. Lentigo maligna describes a dark skin lesion, it is often referred to as a pre-cancerous lesion or early stage skin cancer. It is a type of melanoma but can be treated if it is caught at this early stage.

This LM is changing, things that indicate changes and and active cancer cells are known by and ABCDE system; Asymmetry - the two halves of the area differ in their shape. Border - the edges of the area may be irregular or blurred, and sometimes show notches. Colour - this may be uneven. Different shades of black, brown and pink may be seen. Diameter - most melanomas are at least 6 mm in diameter. Evolution - rapid change in a pre-existing mole. To diagnose LM a biopsy is taken and the lesions can be surgically removed and would be unlikely to return.