Sunspots vs Melanoma: How to Differentiate

Jan 17, 2025 | 5 min read

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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 vs Melanoma

What Are Sunspots?

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.

How Do Sunspots Look?

  • Color: Light brown, tan, or darker than your normal skin tone.
  • Size: They can be small like freckles or bigger patches.
  • Shape: Usually round or oval with smooth edges.

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

What Causes Sunspots?

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.

Are Sunspots Dangerous?

Sunspots are harmless and don’t cause health problems. However, they can look similar to other skin issues, like melanoma

What Is 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.

melanoma example

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

ABCDE Rule for Self-Exam

The ABCDE rule is a simple way to spot melanoma early and potentially save lives:

  • A: Asymmetry: One half of the spot doesn’t match the other half, giving it an uneven shape.
  • B: Border Irregularity: The edges are uneven, jagged, or blurred rather than smooth.
  • C: Color Variation: The spot has multiple colors, such as shades of black, brown, red, white, or blue.
  • D: Diameter: Melanomas are often larger than 6 millimeters, about the size of a pencil eraser. However, they can be smaller when first detected.
  • E: Evolving: The spot changes over time in size, shape, or color, or it starts to itch, bleed, or crust.

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.

Why Early Detection Matters

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.

Sunspots vs Melanoma: Key Differences

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.

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Can Sunspots Turn Into Melanoma?

No, sunspots do not turn into melanoma. However, having sunspots may signal significant UV damage, which increases your overall risk of developing melanoma.

Diagnostics

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:

  • A small sample of the suspicious skin is removed.
  • The sample is sent to a laboratory, where specialists examine it under a microscope for signs of cancer.

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.

Prevention Tips for Healthy Skin

Protecting your skin can reduce the risk of sun damage and melanoma. Follow these simple tips:

  • Use Sunscreen Daily: The AAD recommends using SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
  • Cover Up: Wear long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is strongest.
  • Skip Tanning Beds: Tanning beds increase the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. Research shows that using tanning beds before age 20 raises your melanoma risk by 47%, and the risk grows with each use.
  • Monthly Self-Checks: Look for new or changing spots, especially on areas exposed to the sun like your face and hands.

How Are Sunspots and Melanoma Treated?

Treatment for Sunspots

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:

  • Laser Therapy: Uses light energy to target and reduce pigmentation in the spots.
  • Chemical Peels: Removes the top layers of skin to improve the appearance of sunspots.
  • Cryotherapy: Freezes the spots with liquid nitrogen, causing them to fade over time.

Treatment for Melanoma

Melanoma is a serious skin cancer and requires immediate medical intervention. Treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer:

  • Surgical Excision: The primary treatment involves removing the melanoma along with some surrounding healthy tissue.
  • Follow-Up Care: Regular checkups ensure that the melanoma has not returned or spread.
  • Additional Treatments: In advanced stages, treatments may include immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted drug therapy to address cancer that has spread.

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Conclusion

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.

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