Lentigo maligna

Just been diagnosed with this on my right cheek just under my eye. Now I have to decide between ALDARA cream or surgery.  Both scare the begeezes out of me.  Can anyone give their experiences, good or bad, for either of these choices. I'm scared if I use the cream, it won't clear the LM and I won't find out until it becomes invasive, or that the surgery, doesn't get it all out and they have to keep cutting until the get to clear area. Sorry for the long post but can only find scare stories. Thanks in advance for any feed back. 

  • Hi Ronale,

    I don't know how much you were told about Lentigo maligna but here is a link to the British Association of Dermatologists website that explains everything in full www.bad.org.uk/.../get-file.ashx

    Primarily, it's 'in-situ' which means it is not invasive and it is very slow growing so it can take years to become invasive. It explains what treatment is usually carried out and, from what has been discussed, you should be able to make an informed choice. If the dermatologist hasn't discussed it fully with you and you want to query the advice on this website, I suggest you contact the dermatologist to clear up any questions you have before you make your choice. 

    Meanwhile, keep away from Dr Google as it's out of date and only gives scare stories (as you've found out). Just stick to recognised websites like the one I've linked or this site (Cancer Research UK) or Macmillan. Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

    Angie (melanoma patient)

  • Thanks Angie for the quick reply,. I've only read the official websites such as bad and cancer research, but also read a few clinical trials. I understand that it's slow growing but I can pinpoint when my skin was damaged and have seen from photos when it started to appear and we are talking 2 years. I think my main worry is that with the cream it May not distroy all the cells and as they don't do biopsies after using the cream, there is no way I'll be sure it's gone. Anyway, thanks for the advice. I'll be asking lots of questions at my appointment with the specialist. 

  • If it were me I would go for the surgery if they don't biopsy after using the cream. Plastic Surgeons are very good at facial surgery and scars can hardly be seen. They also follow the guidelines as to how large an excision to perform dependant on the measurement of the lesion so they will definitely remove a safe margin.