OET Medical Vocabulary, Word of the Day
Lentigo (Dark Skin Spot) – Meaning and Usage in Medical English
Oct
A lentigo is a small, flat, dark spot on the skin caused by extra melanin, often called an age spot or sun spot; the plural is lentigines.
Have you ever noticed a small, flat brown spot on someone’s cheek or hand and wondered what doctors call it?
Today’s term will help you describe those common skin findings accurately in clinical communication.
👁 What Does “Lentigo” Mean?
A lentigo refers to a small, flat, dark skin spot caused by an increase in melanin pigment.
The word comes from Latin, meaning lentil, because the spot often resembles the shape and size of the legume.
Lentigines can appear anywhere but are especially common in sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands, and shoulders.
Healthcare professionals often check these spots closely during skin exams.
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🔍 Clinical Usage
You will frequently encounter this term in dermatology notes and skin-exam documentation.
The most common type is solar lentigo, often called sun spots or age spots in everyday language.
Example charting line:
“Lentigo on the right cheek.”
Usually harmless, though changes should be monitored.
When documenting a skin lesion, practitioners pay attention to:
- Number and size
- Color and border
- Any recent change or symptoms
If a new spot looks irregular or evolves quickly, further evaluation is recommended.
🎥 Watch the Short Video
Learn the word visually in our 20-second “Word of the Day” short video.
This helps reinforce both pronunciation and clinical usage.
🔗 Related Words
- Dimple (Cheek Indentation)
- Bucca (Cheek)
- Dorsum of the Nose (Bridge of the Nose)
- Ala of the Nose (Nostril Wing)
Browse every term in our Medical English Body Parts A–Z guide.
