Moles, freckles, liver spots, sun spots, and cysts, oh my. Over the course of our lives, our skin can acquire a wide variety of lumps and marks. Some are risk-free, while others could be problematic.
“According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Paola Rodriguez of Kaiser Permanente, knowing the difference between a mole and a solar spot that may be malignant could save your life. ” You can lower your risk of skin cancer by performing periodic self-exams, inquiring with your doctor about routine exams, and using daily UV protection.
What can you do to help avoid skin cancer and how can you know if the marks on your skin have the potential to be cancerous? What to remember is as follows:
Skin cancer is more prone to occur in some persons than others. You may want to take extra care, often check yourself, and arrange screenings if you have any of the following:
- skin cancer in the family
- Red or blond hair that is naturally light-colored
- a background of severe sunburns or extended sun exposure
- You have a lot of moles on your body.
A full-body skin screening appointment with your doctor is always a smart idea, regardless of how high or low your risk factor is. Ask your doctor how frequently you should get these checks scheduled based on your risk.
However, everyone should conduct routine self-checks. Check your entire body’s skin every month to look for any unusual moles or marks. Here are some things to watch out for when conducting these checks:
If you’re older than 50, you might start to notice spots on the parts of your skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as your hands, face, neck, etc. Actinic lentigines, often known as liver spots, age spots, or sun spots, are the name of these spots. Skin cancer is not present in these tiny, grayish-brown patches. They do not require treatment and do not develop into skin cancer. But if one of these areas changes suddenly, see your doctor straight away to get it examined.
You should keep in mind the ABCDE rule when completing a self-check. This rule includes a list of warning signs that should raise an eyebrow.
- Asymmetry: When a mole or mark has one half that is significantly different from the other in shape.
- Borders: On the exterior of the mole or mark, these edges are hazy, unreliable, and uneven.
- Color: A range of hues or gradations within a single mole or mark. Normally, non-cancerous moles or markings are uniform in color.
- Anything more than 6 millimeters in diameterroughly the size of a pencil eraseris considered to be diameter.
- Evolving: A mole or mark that alters over time in terms of size, color, texture, or shape.
Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible if you find a mole or mark exhibiting any of the aforementioned warning signs.
One of the greatest methods to avoid sunburns, early aging, and skin cancer is to regularly use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen between 15 and 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours. Apply sunscreen to your neck, lips, ears, and even your scalp if you think they might be exposed to the sun (you can also wear a hat for added sun protection).
Make an appointment with your doctor if you’re still unsure as to whether the mole or skin area you have is normal or cancerous. Don’t be scared to contact us with any questions or concerns because early detection can help stop the spread of cancer. Always err on the side of caution when it comes to skin cancer.
In This Article...
When do solar spots cause me concern?
Even younger folks can get sunspots, though they are often more common in people over 50. These black blotches, sometimes known as liver spots, age spots, or solar lentigines, are brought on by sun exposure. More susceptible groups include those with lighter skin tones, females, and those with a family history of liver spots. Of course, increased sun exposure or use of tanning beds also contributes significantly.
Why do sunspots develop?
Melanin, the skin’s primary pigment and source of color, is produced more frequently by UV radiation from the sun. A suntan develops as a result of skin becoming darker the more UV light that it is exposed to. Small regions, however, may become overly colored or hyperpigmented with time and repeated exposure, giving rise to a spot.
Spotting trouble
Early melanoma detection depends on routine self-skin inspection. If the skin is not regularly inspected, it might be difficult to detect changes. Dermatologists typically advise performing a monthly skin examination and searching for 3 particular things.
Sign 1: Changes
Any mole, freckle, or sunspot that alters in color, size, or shape should be taken seriously. A tan spot that develops red, black, or pink patches needs to be examined. A doctor should be seen if a little freckle grows significantly or acquires an unnatural border.
Sign 2: Pain
A warning indicator is when an area that wasn’t itchy or sore before starts to itch, hurt, or feel tender. There are further causes for this alteration, but it shouldn’t be ignored. Obtain medical advice.
Sign 3: Different
A spot has to be examined if it sticks out from any other area of the skin. The ugly duckling symptom is how people frequently describe this. In other words, this location simply stands out from the surrounding area and attracts attention.
Melanoma is another story
One of the most deadly types of skin cancer is melanoma. Melanoma risk is increased by a personal history of numerous sunburns or use of tanning beds, as well as by a family history of the disease. Additionally, routine dermatologist monitoring is required if there are more than 40 moles present.
How to spot melanoma
Using the ABCDE rule, routine skin exams can frequently find melanomas. Asymmetry occurs when a place has different-looking parts on either side. B is a border, which is frequently erratic. The color C is the one that varies the most frequently throughout. D may be smaller but has a diameter bigger than o inches. E is changing over time since it is evolving.
Catch a problem early
It’s not always fatal to have melanoma. Rapid medical intervention and early detection are essential. Check out your neighborhood health fairs or ask a doctor for information about free screenings, which are frequently offered. The most important thing to do is use sunscreen and stay out of the sun between 10 am and 2 pm when the rays are highest. A pound of treatment is worth an ounce of prevention. Speak to a dermatologist for more details on preventing skin cancer.
Why am I suddenly developing sun spots?
Overactive pigment cells are the source of age spots. The natural pigment melanin, which gives skin its color, is produced more quickly by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Age spots develop on skin that has been exposed to the sun for a long time when melanin gathers or is created in large quantities.
How can you know whether something is skin cancer versus aging spots?
There is a region you’ve never seen before when you glance at the back of your hand, neck, or even leg. It might have skin cancer. Or is it just a benign aging spot?
It might be challenging to determine if a new lesion on the skin is an aging spot or skin cancer, according to Mary Frausto, a nurse practitioner with expertise in medical oncology at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center at Banner Gateway Medical Center in Gilbert, Arizona. When in doubt, get things checked out, is the general guideline.
However, there are a few indicators you may look for to determine which is true.
- hemorrhage, discomfort, or discharge Age spots don’t bleed or drip, and they aren’t uncomfortable. You should get these areas checked for skin cancer.
- Changing. Check for skin cancer if a spot becomes asymmetrical, has shifting borders, changes in color from light to dark, or changes in diameter.
- the rate of change. Over a number of years, age spots typically change from pink to yellow to tan to brown. It is important to assess areas that are changing more quickly.
- Itching. Itching can be a symptom of both skin cancer and aging spots. Age spots’ itching should go away on its own.
- Family background. Skin cancer and aging spots can both have a genetic component. So, when you express your worries with a health expert, be careful to let them know if either condition runs in your family.
You shouldn’t rely on the spot’s location to tell you whether it is a skin cancer or an aging spot. Anywhere on the body can develop aging spots or skin cancer.
Your age also doesn’t really help much. You might get age spots if you’re 30 or older. They can appear at age 2 or older in people with a particular genetic component. Age and skin cancer have a complicated relationship because melanomas can affect persons of any age but basal and squamous cell skin cancers are more common in older people.
How do melanoma spots appear?
Melanocytes are the site of origin for the malignancy melanoma (cells that make the pigment melanin). Below are images of skin-related melanomas. Additionally, melanoma can develop from pigmented tissues in the eye, intestines, or other parts of the body.
A change in an existing mole’s shape, color, size, or feel is frequently the first indication of melanoma. Melanoma can, however, also manifest as a brand-new mole. If someone notices any changes on their skin, they should inform their doctor. Melanoma can only be identified by removing tissue and examining it for malignant cells.
You can remember what to look for by thinking of “ABCDE”:
- Asymmetry: One half’s shape does not correspond to the other.
- Uneven border: The borders are frequently jagged, notched, or blurry in shape. The surrounding skin may become covered in the pigment.
- Uneven color: There may be varying tones of tan, brown, and black. There may also be patches of white, gray, red, pink, or blue.
- Diameter: There is a size shift, usually an expansion. Melanomas can be quite small, but the majority of them are larger than a pea (more than 6 millimeters, or about 1/4 inch).
- Changing: Over the previous few weeks or months, the mole has undergone changes.
Melanomas can have a wide range of appearances. Many display every ABCDE function. Some individuals, meanwhile, may only have alterations or aberrant regions in one or two of the ABCDE traits.
The texture of the mole may alter in more advanced melanoma. Surface skin may deteriorate and appear scraped. It could becoming lumpy or firm. It may seep or bleed on the surface. The melanoma can occasionally be unpleasant, sensitive, or irritating.
Melanoma may resemble a sunspot.
The issue with moles and sunspots is that skin cancer in its early stages can resemble a flat, brownish patch very substantially (see below). This means that by ignoring a hyperpigmented patch of your skin, you risk postponing treatment for a condition that could eventually turn out to be melanoma.
What does melanoma in stage 1 look like?
With or without an ulceration, stage I melanoma is less than 1.0 millimeter thick (about the size of a sharpened pencil point) (broken skin). There is no proof that lymph nodes, bodily organs, or lymph tissues have been affected by Stage I melanoma.
Localized melanoma is stage I melanoma (this group also includes Stage 0 and Stage II melanoma).
Two subgroups of stage I melanoma exist:
Stage IA Melanoma: When examined under a microscope, the melanoma tumor is less than 1.0 millimeter thick, or less than the size of a sharpened pencil point, with or without ulceration (broken skin).
Melanoma at stage IB occurs when the tumor is less than 2.0 millimeters thick and has not yet developed an ulcer.
About Staging: The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging approach provides the foundation for melanoma staging. Based on tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) scores and other prognostic variables, the method determines a stage. The intention is for melanomas at the same stage to have similar traits, available treatments, and results. Click here to read more about melanoma staging.
Age spots could resemble melanoma.
Age-related skin changes include the unattractive age spots (also known as sun spots or liver spots). These are brought on by prolonged sun exposure rather than having anything to do with the liver. However, some of these black spots could suspiciously resemble melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. If you are not a dermatologist, you can be staring at the new brown mark on your skin and unsure of whether it is just an aesthetic problem or something more serious.
According to John Wolf Jr., MD, a dermatologist, professor, and chairman of the dermatology department at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, it’s generally a good idea to check in with your dermatologist if the area you’re starring at is new to you. For people over 50, and possibly even earlier for some patients, he says, “I strongly advocate a full-body exam.” People should get checked out sooner if they have a personal or family history of skin cancer.
This process could be initiated by what seem to be liver spots or new age spots. Your dermatologist can tell you if you have any skin conditions to be on the lookout for, even if they detect no evidence of skin cancer. Additionally, this does not only apply to those with pale skin: Dark-skinned people can also develop skin cancer, though it can be more difficult to spot the early symptoms without medical assistance.
In the event that you have an age spot, it will most likely fit into one of three groups:
When ought I to have a skin area examined?
Skin tumors have various appearances. In actuality, skin cancers come in a wide variety of forms and sizes. They may occasionally even resemble other skin problems. The face, head, neck, and arms are among the body areas that commonly receive more sun exposure and so have a higher incidence of skin cancer. However, skin malignancies can develop on any part of the body.
The following are some of the more typical ways that skin malignancies can manifest:
- A growth, patch, or bump on the skin that is brand-new, growing, or altering
- a wound that remains open for several weeks and bleeds or doesn’t heal
- a crimson spot that is rough or scaly and may crust or bleed
- wart-like growth
- a new mole or other skin lesion that has changed in size, shape, or color
- a mole with an unusual shape, wavy borders, or multicolored patches
However, it’s crucial to realize that these are not the only ways skin cancer can manifest itself. See: for additional information on the symptoms of skin cancer.
- Image Gallery for Skin Cancer
- Skin cancer symptoms and signs for basal and squamous cell types
- Melanoma Skin Cancer Symptoms and Signs
- Merkel cell carcinoma symptoms and signs
What lack results in age spots?
Dr. Ray Peat, Ph.D. claims:
“It was suggested that such a substance might be age pigment or lipofuscin. It is a brown pigment that, in general, gets darker as we age. Unsaturated fat consumption, vitamin E insufficiency, stress, and estrogen overexposure all contribute to its production.”
1) Unsaturated fats: PUFA (Polyunsaturated Fats), in particular, can be highly harmful to the body and, when consumed with iron, can hasten the development of age spots. Olive oil and coconut oil are the only oils you should be consuming.
2) Too much iron: Even while iron is necessary for the body, too much of it can be poisonous. The majority of people are accumulating too much iron since it is difficult to remove it from the body (blood donation and menstruation assist). It is preferable to avoid taking an iron supplement if your iron levels are sufficient (check with your doctor about this), and it is also advantageous to eat foods containing iron with coffee or chocolate. It may prevent the absorption of iron.
3) Excess Estrogen: Excess estrogen has a number of negative effects, one of which is an increase in the production of age pigment. Around ovulation, a tiny amount of estrogen is required. A hormone that is considerably more significant and that can help balance out high levels of estrogenprogesterone exists outside of that. Avoiding foods and products that raise estrogen levels, such as soy, grapefruit, tap water, and cosmetics with “fragrance,” as well as supplementing those levels with a natural source of progesterone, should be your main focus (derived from wild yam extract). If you are or have have used any method of contraception, this can be very beneficial.
4) Too many free radicals: Age spots can develop as a result of too many free radicals in the body. As mentioned in point one, free radical production is mostly caused by unsaturated fats. Reducing them is beneficial, but so is taking a supplement containing an effective antioxidant like Vitamin E. Most people’s diets frequently lack vitamin E. Tocopherol, the popular name for vitamin E, is a word borrowed from the Greek for “to carry a baby.” A very potent nutrient, vitamin E can aid in a variety of ways, from squelching free radicals to preserving ideal hormonal balance (and/or a healthy pregnancy).
What does skin cancer’s early stage look like?
A sizable brown patch with darker flecks is one of the melanoma symptoms. a mole that bleeds, changes color, size, or texture. a little lesion with an erratic border with areas that are pink, red, white, blue, or blue-black in color.