Can lentigo maligna melanoma be prevented?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Fortunately, there are several things you can do that may help prevent lentigo maligna melanoma. Because lentigo maligna melanoma is related to a lifetime of exposure to ultraviolet radiation, you should limit the time you spend in the sun, especially during its strongest hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you are out in the sun, make sure you wear sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. It's also a good idea to protect skin by wearing a hat and clothing that covers your arms and legs. These exposure suggestions are especially important if you have a family history of melanoma. Also, make sure to check your skin often-everyone should look out for skin lesions on their body, but people over the age of 50 should see a doctor for yearly skin screenings.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Melanoma

The most serious type of skin cancer, melanoma affects the cells that give our skin its color. Although it can spread easily, it is curable when treated early. This cancer forms when the cells that make melanin grow abnormally or do not die when they should. These cells, called melanocytes, are found in our skin’s outer layer. Melanoma typically begins in a mole or birthmark but can form in other tissues with pigmentation, such as your eye. When melanoma develops in the eye, it is called Intraocular Melanoma. Protect yourself by avoiding overexposure from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Stay vigilant of any changes in your skin, especially if you have the skin disease Xeroderma pigmentosum, which makes you sensitive to light. You are also more likely to develop melanoma if someone in your family has been previously diagnosed with this specific type of cancer.

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