Hi Joyce,

I'm sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis. Lentigo maligna melanoma is one of several types of melanoma and is caused by sun damage. Lentigo maligna is an in situ melanoma - it doesn't grow beneath the top layer of skin but tends to grow outwards on the skin. Lentigo maligna melanoma is where it has started to grow down into the next layer of skin. It is treated in the same way as the other types of melanoma (superficial spreading, modular etc) - it's initially surgically removed for biopsy and once the diagnosis is made, a second surgical procedure is carried out to remove more tissue from the area. This is to ensure they have removed a safe margin to mop up any stray cells and is known as a Wide Local Excision. This is then followed up by a term of monitoring by regular check ups.

I hope this helps. If I can help with any further advice, just ask

Angie (melanoma patient)