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Collegium antropologicum, Vol. 34 supplement 2 No. 2, 2010.

Original scientific paper

Senile Lentigo – Cosmetic or Medical Issue of the Elderly Population

Mirna Šitum ; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital »Sestre Milosrdnice«, Zagreb, Croatia
Vedrana Bulat ; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital »Sestre Milosrdnice«, Zagreb, Croatia
Marija Buljan ; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital »Sestre Milosrdnice«, Zagreb, Croatia
Zvonimir Puljiz ; Department of General Surgery, University Hospital »Sestre milosrdnice«, Zagreb, Croatia
V. Šitum ; Department of General Practice, Split, Croatia
Željana Bolanča ; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital »Sestre Milosrdnice«, Zagreb, Croatia

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Abstract

Senile lentigo or age spots are hyperpigmented macules of skin that occur in irregular shapes, appearing most commonly in the sun- exposed areas of the skin such as on the face and back of the hands. Senile lentigo is a common component of photoaged skin and is seen most commonly after the age of 50. There are many disscusions on whether senile lentigo represents a melanoma precursor, namely lentigo maligna melanoma and, if there is a need for a regular follow up in cases of multiple lesions. Clinical opservations sometimes report that in the location of the newly diagnosed melanoma, such lesion preexsisted. On contrary, some authors believe that senile lentigo represents a precursor of seborrheic keratosis, which does not require a serious medical treatment. However, the opservation of the possible association of senile lentigo with the melanoma development makes us cautious in the assessment of this lesion. Histologically, there are elongated rete ridges with increased melanin at the tips, and the number of melanocytes is not increased. The dermatoscopic features are also distinctive. If the lesion becomes inflammed it may evolve into benign lichenoid keratosis. Cryotherapy and laser treatment are common therapeutic approaches. Sun protection creams may be useful in early lesions.

Keywords

senile lentigo; UV radiation; photoimmunology; oncogene

Hrčak ID:

51635

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/51635

Publication date:

20.4.2010.

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