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Spending time in the sun can leave marks on your skin, but not all spots are the same. While sunspots are harmless signs of sun exposure, melanoma is a serious skin cancer that requires immediate attention.
Knowing the differences can help you protect your skin and recognize potential problems early.
Sunspots, also called age spots or liver spots, are flat, dark areas on the skin. They usually show up on parts of the body that get the most sunlight, like the face, hands, shoulders, and arms.
Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, Founder & Medical Director of the New York Cosmetic Skin & Laser Surgery Center, explains:
"Sunspots, or what we call lentigo, are usually light brown and uniform in shape, color, and contour. Although they can grow, this is a slow, gradual process…"
Sunspots form when the skin produces too much melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. Its production increases after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.
Over time, the skin becomes less effective at removing melanin. This buildup of melanin leads to the formation of dark spots.
Also, as we age, the skin becomes more sensitive to UV rays, which is why sunspots are more common in older adults.
People with lighter skin tend to notice sun spots more easily, but they can develop on anyone with enough sun exposure.
Sunspots are harmless and don’t cause health problems. However, they can look similar to other skin issues, like melanoma.
Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes. These are the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.
Melanoma often appears as an unusual mole or dark spot on the skin. It can develop anywhere on the body, but it’s more common in sun-exposed areas like the face, arms, and back.
“...Melanomas, on the other hand, are dark, irregularly pigmented, have irregular borders and contours, and are asymmetric.”, continues Dr. Cameron Rokhsar.
This aggressive cancer is often triggered by DNA damage in melanocytes caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Factors like fair skin, frequent sunburns, or a family history of melanoma can increase your risk.
Researchers have also discovered specific genetic changes in mole cells that may cause them to turn into melanoma. However, it’s still unclear why this happens in some moles and not others.
Unlike other skin conditions, melanoma can spread quickly to other body parts if not detected and treated early. It makes melanoma one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer.
Picture of a melanoma from a new, dark lesion on the skin
Source:https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/melanoma/pictures-abnormal-moles-skin-change
The ABCDE rule is a simple way to spot melanoma early and potentially save lives:
If you notice any of these features, it’s important to have the area checked by a dermatologist.
Regular self-exams can help you spot suspicious changes early.
Detecting melanoma early can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. In its early stages, melanoma is highly treatable and can often be removed surgically.
However, once it spreads to other parts of the body, it becomes much more difficult to manage. This is why it’s essential to regularly check your skin for new or changing spots and consult a dermatologist if you notice anything unusual.
Feature |
Sunspots |
Melanoma |
---|---|---|
Cause | UV exposure and aging | DNA damage from UV or genetic factors |
Color | Typically one uniform shade (light brown or tan) | Multiple colors like brown, black, red, or white |
Feel | Flat and smooth, blends with the skin | Raised, rough, or different texture |
Growth | Stable, no growth | Rapid growth, changing shape |
Danger Level | Harmless | Potentially life-threatening |
Treatment | Cosmetic (optional) | Urgent medical intervention required |
If you’re ever unsure about a spot, it’s better to get it checked.
Just 3 simple steps to efficiently understand and manage your health symptoms online.
No, sunspots do not turn into melanoma. However, having sunspots may signal significant UV damage, which increases your overall risk of developing melanoma.
A dermatologist will first conduct a visual examination using a dermatoscope, a tool that magnifies and illuminates the skin. This allows them to closely inspect the structure, pattern, and color of a mole or lesion.
If a spot looks suspicious, the doctor may recommend a skin biopsy. This procedure is the gold standard for diagnosing melanoma.
During the biopsy:
The type of biopsy performed (shave, punch, or excisional) depends on the size and location of the lesion.
A visual exam and biopsy help dermatologists tell melanoma apart from sun spots and other skin conditions, ensuring proper care.
Protecting your skin can reduce the risk of sun damage and melanoma. Follow these simple tips:
Sunspots are harmless and typically don’t require treatment. However, some people choose cosmetic procedures to lighten or remove them for aesthetic reasons.
Common options include:
Melanoma is a serious skin cancer and requires immediate medical intervention. Treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer:
If left untreated, melanoma can grow deeper into the skin and spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes and organs. This makes it more difficult to treat and can become life-threatening.
It’s recommended to perform a self-skin exam every month and visit a dermatologist annually for a professional skin check. If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, you may need more frequent visits.
Sunspots and melanoma can look alike, but knowing their differences is crucial for your skin and health.
While sunspots are harmless signs of sun exposure, melanoma is a dangerous form of skin cancer that requires immediate attention.
Sunspots are flat, uniformly colored (usually light brown or tan), and remain stable over time. In contrast, melanoma often has irregular shapes, uneven borders, multiple colors, and changes in size, shape, or texture over time.
If you notice a spot with these suspicious features, consult a dermatologist promptly. Early detection and treatment of melanoma are critical for protecting your health.
This article was written by doctors from the Docus Medical Research team and reviewed by leading dermatology experts. As part of our editorial and medical review process, we relied on academic studies, medical research, and publications from credible sources to ensure the information provided is accurate and trustworthy.
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