If you notice a spot on your hand, or face or neck that you’ve never seen before you might think it’s a harmless age spot. But what if it’s actually skin cancer? It’s important to understand the difference between them. While both can cause discoloration, skin cancer needs immediate care.
Key Differences in Skin Cancer and Age Spots
At a glance, age spots are usually flat, consistent in color, small, and stable. Meaning they don’t change shape or size.
On the other hand, skin cancer is often raised, irregularly shaped, varied in color, may grow or change shape over time, and often itches or bleeds.
Age Spots vs. Skin Cancer
Age spots are a common occurrence on parts of the body that get a lot of sun exposure, like the face, hands, shoulders, chest, and arms. These spots are caused by UV rays damaging the skin and increasing melanin production.
While sunspots are typically harmless, many people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons.
Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells. It’s the most common type of cancer in the United States. Unlike age spots, skin cancer may look irregular, grow quickly, or change over time.
There are three main types of skin cancer and it can be fatal if its not detected early. So, if you notice unusual spots, it’s best to have them checked out by your dermatologist ASAP.
How to Tell the Difference Between Age Spots and Skin Cancer
It can be hard to know for sure what kind of spot you are dealing with, but here are some things to consider:
Age spots may:
- Be all one color
- Be round or oval shaped
- Be smooth and flat
- Not change much over time
- Be itchy, but the itchiness goes away
- Usually smaller than a pencil eraser
Skin cancer spots may:
- Be bigger than a pencil eraser
- Be more than one color
- Itch, bleed, hurt, or ooze
- Feel rough or scaly
- Have uneven or blurry edges
- Change in size, shape, or color
When to See Your Dermatologist
If you are suspicious of a spot, it’s always best to get it checked out. It can be difficult to tell the difference between an age spot or skin cancer so it’s important to have a professional opinion.
Cronin Dermatology specializes in skin cancer treatment, lasers, cosmetic procedures, acne treatment, and anti-aging treatments. Contact us today for a one-on-one consultation!