What is lentigo maligna melanoma?

Lentigo maligna melanoma is a type of skin cancer that causes flat, tan patches to appear on the skin. Lentigo maligna melanoma, like other types of melanoma, starts in the cells that make melanin, which is the protective pigment that gives skin color. Because sunlight stimulates these cells to produce melanin, lentigo maligna melanoma is most often found in areas of skin that are exposed to sunlight. Lentigo maligna melanoma is the least common type of melanoma and usually only affects older people.