Laterality and site-specific distribution patterns of Lentigo Maligna and Lentigo Maligna Melanoma

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Gabrielle Brody
University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA

Katerina Yale
University of California, Irvine, Department of Dermatology, Irvine, CA

Alora Nguyen
University of California, Irvine, Department of Dermatology, Irvine, CA

Margit Juhasz
University of California, Irvine, Department of Dermatology, Irvine, CA

Linda Doan
University of California, Irvine, Department of Dermatology, Irvine, CA

Natasha Atanaskova Mesinkovska
University of California, Irvine, Department of Dermatology, Irvine, CA

Keywords

lentigo maligna, melanoma, laterality, anatomical distribution, spacial analysis

Abstract

Background: Melanoma has been described to have preferential left-sided laterality on the human body. The distribution and invasion patterns of lentigo maligna (LM) and lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) have not been well described.


Methods: This was a cross-sectional, retrospective study at a single, academic center. LM and LMM cases from 2008-2018 in the dermatopathology registry were analyzed.


Results: A total of 392 cases were included (241 LM and 151 LMM). There was no laterality preference overall. The only exception were neoplasms located on the head/neck, which showed a left-sided laterality. LM and LMM had the highest incidence on the head/neck, followed by upper extremities, trunk, then lower extremities. Men had a higher incidence on the head/neck and trunk, while women had a higher incidence on the extremities. Interestingly, the upper extremities and the right side of the female body had a higher propensity for invasive lesions.


Conclusion: While melanomas demonstrate preferential left-sided laterality, LM and LMM only share this pattern in respect to the head/neck region. Our results complement previous study findings which characterize LM and LMM as a head/neck and upper extremity pathology. Finally, our study suggests that certain body sites and laterality have an increased propensity for invasion.

References

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Published
Sep 13, 2021
DOI https://doi.org/10.25251/skin.5.5.11

Article Details

How to Cite
Brody, G., Yale, K., Nguyen, A., Juhasz, M. ., Doan, L., & Mesinkovska, N. A. . (2021). Laterality and site-specific distribution patterns of Lentigo Maligna and Lentigo Maligna Melanoma. SKIN The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine, 5(5), 530–532. https://doi.org/10.25251/skin.5.5.11
Issue
Vol. 5 No. 5 (2021)
Section
Research Letters
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