Any slight change in texture or appearance with your skin can raise a red flag. With our skin, everyone fears the words skin cancer. The Skin Cancer website states that more than 3.5 million cases are diagnosed each year with 68,720 of these cases being melanoma. Age spots indicate a change in the skin and because there is darkening on the surface, similar to melanoma, the two can sometimes be hard to tell apart. Knowing what they are and how they can be treated is important with skin health.
Melanoma
Melanoma is considered the most dangerous type of skin cancer. In its early stages it is 99 percent treatable. Unfortunately, if it is left undetected or untreated it can spread very quickly to nearby organs and cause death. The best way to recognize the difference between a melanoma skin cancer and a benign age spot is to know the characteristics of the two. Unlike age spots, melanoma can be found anywhere on the body, including creases in the skin. With melanoma you should consider the ABCDE characteristics. These are identified by A, representing the asymmetry or shape, B for the border of the mole, C for its color, D for the diameter and E for evolving or sudden change. Any type of mole that is larger than a pencil eraser, irregular in size or color or that changes rapidly should be seen by a dermatologist.
Age Spots
The Mayo Clinic explains that age spots, which are also called liver spots, or solar lentigines are generally flat with brown or black irregularities in skin color. While melanoma can be these colors, they can also have white, pink and red in their pigment, but age spots do not. Age spots form because of excessive exposure to the sun, therefore they are commonly found on the face, shoulders, arms and hands. Unlike melanoma, age spots are completely benign and do not require any further care. Because age spots also have irregular borders and dark centers, they can easily be mistaken for melanoma. A physical exam by a dermatologist or physician will give a precise diagnosis.
Visible Differences
Because melanoma and age spots both appear as colored spots on the skin, some people find them difficult to tell apart. The main visible difference is an age spot generally looks and stays the same size throughout its lifespan. Unlike melanoma, which has irregular borders and colors, age spots will stay the same. The American Academy of Dermatology states that a melanoma can quickly change in shape. Sometimes it can start with an existing mole, unlike an age spot. Melanoma may also crust over, bleed and raise slightly above the skin while an age spot lies flat.
Causes
The main cause for age spots and melanoma is excessive sun exposure. Age spots often occur in people over the age 40. While melanoma can be caused by even one event of unprotected UV exposure, it can also appear in those who do not excessively abuse the sun's rays. In fact, melanoma appears more in patients with light-colored skin and eyes than those with darker skin tones, according to Skin Cancer Net.
Treatment
For age spots, treatment is not necessary, as they do not pose a health risk to the individual. Derma Network states that age spots can be unsightly and therefore individuals may seek out dermatology or cosmetic surgery. Examples of treatment include bleaching creams, light therapy, laser resurfacing and chemical peel therapy. With melanoma, removal of the cancer is important. It will be biopsied along with nearby lymph nodes to determine the extent of the disease. Radiation, chemotherapy and surgery to remove or treat the advancement of the disease may be necessary.
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