Lentigo Maligna in Palm Beach Gardens & Stuart, FL

If you’ve been diagnosed with lentigo maligna, you can rely on Florida Dermatology Specialists for comprehensive treatment. Our expertise in skin cancer treatment and other medical dermatology services makes us the top choice for all skin health concerns. We welcome patients from Palm Beach Gardens, Stuart and Jupiter, Florida.

What is Lentigo Maligna?

Lentigo maligna is a superficial type of melanoma skin cancer. While melanoma is known to be a more dangerous type of skin cancer due to its tendency to spread quickly, lentigo maligna acts differently. Lentigo maligna grows slowly, and often takes many years to develop into an invasive form of melanoma. Like many forms of skin cancer, lentigo maligna is closely linked to sun exposure, and therefore most often develops on the head and neck.

How is Lentigo Maligna Treated?

Although lentigo maligna is slow-growing, it should still be treated promptly to minimize long-term skin damage. Lentigo maligna is generally treated by surgical excision. Florida Dermatology Specialists routinely performs staged excisions (sometimes called “slow-Mohs surgery”) for lentigo maligna. This technique has been shown to have the lowest recurrence rate, while also sparing as much healthy tissue as possible, similar to Mohs surgery. The procedure takes place over several visits to the office over several days and involves Dr. Krathen closely working in conjunction with a highly skilled dermatopathologist. Topical therapy for lentigo maligna has a very high recurrence rate and is reserved for non-surgical cases.

Why Choose a Staged Excision For Lentigo Maligna (a type or melanoma in situ)?

Staged excision is a surgical technique that is sometimes used to remove melanoma in situ, sometimes called lentigo maligna when found on sun-damaged skin of the head and neck, which is a type of melanoma skin cancer that has not yet spread beyond the top layer of skin. The goal of staged excision is to remove the cancerous cells while minimizing the impact on healthy tissue and reducing the risk of scarring. This technique also has the lowest recurrence rate for lentigo maligna.

During a staged excision, the surgeon removes the cancerous cells in stages, sending the tissue out for permanent sections to the laboratory and dermatopatholgoist, who examines the tissue under a microscope to ensure that all of the cancerous cells have been removed. If any cancerous cells are found left at the margins, the surgeon will remove another layer of skin and repeat the process until all of the cancerous cells have been removed. Once all of the melanoma cells are gone, the wound is repaired, or reconstructed, with stitches. This process can take place over a few days.

Staged excision may be a good option for people who have melanoma in situ that is located in a sensitive area, such as the face or hands, or for those who have had previous skin cancer or have a high risk of developing it again. It may also be a good choice for people who want to minimize scarring or preserve as much healthy tissue as possible.

Dr. Krathen is one of only a few local dermatoloigsts who perform staged excision for lentigo maligna type of melanoma in situ.

How Much Does Lentigo Maligna Treatment Cost?

The cost of lentigo maligna treatment at Florida Dermatology Specialists can vary depending on the procedures involved and the extent of treatment needed. In most cases, your treatment may be eligible for coverage by health insurance. During your initial consultation, we will develop a personalized treatment plan and assess your insurance coverage to determine the exact cost of treatment that you will be responsible for.

What Can I Expect from Lentigo Maligna Treatment?

Your lentigo maligna treatment will depend on the severity of your tumor and the treatment approach that is best for you. Fortunately, lentigo maligna grows slowly, and with advanced treatment techniques like staged excision with deep and total peripheral margin examination, we can minimize any damage to your healthy skin tissue while eliminating cancerous growths in a timely manner. When caught early, the prognosis for lentigo maligna treatment is excellent. However, patients who have previously been treated for lentigo maligna have a higher risk of developing it again in the future, and should monitor their skin accordingly.

Real Patient Reviews

"Dr. Krathen is the most professional, caring, friendly and skilled dermatologist I’ve ever had. He is patient in answering all your questions. I highly recommend him to all my family and friends." - ES

Why Choose Florida Dermatology Specialists for Lentigo Maligna Treatment?

Florida Dermatology Specialists is the premier practice for lentigo maligna melanoma treatment, as our team of dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons specialize in patient-focused skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. Led by Dr. Richard Krathen, board-certified Dermatologist, board-certified Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon, and fellowship-trained Mohs Surgeon, we offer the very best in lentigo maligna treatments to provide patients with safe and effective care.

To learn more about lentigo maligna treatment or to schedule your consultation at Florida Dermatology Specialists, contact us today. We are proud to offer advanced skin health treatments and services to the residents of Okeechobee, Palm City, Wellington and the nearby areas of Florida.