Clinical Diagnosis
Solar lentigo is often diagnosed based on its clinical appearance. However, distinguishing an irregular solar lentigo from melanoma, a potentially serious form of skin cancer, can sometimes be challenging. In such cases, the term “atypical solar lentigo” may be used.
Diagnostic Tools
- Dermatoscopy: This tool helps in examining the skin closely and can aid in differentiating solar lentigines from other lesions.
- Skin Biopsy: In cases where there is diagnostic uncertainty, a biopsy may be performed to obtain a histological examination. Histopathology typically shows a thickened epidermis, an increased number of melanocytes along the basal layer, and increased melanin within keratinocytes.
