Melanocytic Nevi – Solar Lentigo

Solar Lentigos, also called Lentigo Senilis or Liver Spots, are one of the most common skin lesions that I encounter in both my The Woodlands dermatology and Conroe dermatology offices.  Clinically, a Solar Lentigo is a brown circular macule found on sun exposed areas.  Essentially, they can be thought of as large freckles.  Sun damage causes Solar Lentigos and although they are benign, they are a marker for patients at increased risk for skin cancer due to long term sun exposure.  Strict sun protection will typically allow the Solar Lentigos to fade and prevent new lesions.  Solar Lentigos are occasionally biopsied as a melanoma can share the same clinical characteristics and may be in the differential diagnosis of some Solar Lentigos.  As they are benign, treatment is not necessary but can be accomplished through cryosurgery or a laser.