Distinguishing Age Spots from Skin Cancer: Recognizing the Differences
Harmless age spots, frequently confused with skin cancer, can manifest on the skin as an individual ages. These marks, while superficially similar to certain types of skin cancer or precancerous growths, pose no threat.
Exposure to sunlight is a common denominator for both age spots and skin cancer, with both most likely to develop on sun-exposed areas such as the hands, face, and shoulders. Distinguishing the two can help an individual recognize when medical advice may be necessary.
The key differences between age spots and skin cancer can be observed in texture, color, and placement. In contrast to skin cancer, age spots are harmless and do not require treatment or removal.
Age Spots
Known as solar lentigines or liver spots, age spots are small, flat, and smooth patches of skin that are darker than their surroundings. They do not itch or feel crusty and are typically found on light skin, although they can develop on various skin tones. Age spots usually emerge from middle age onward as a result of excessive melanin production in response to UV radiation from the sun.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a serious condition, distinct from age spots. Like age spots, skin cancer tends to grow on sun-exposed areas, attributable to damage caused by UV radiation from the sun or UV tanning beds. Skin cancer forms when UV radiation or other environmental or genetic factors induce damage to skin cells, resulting in accelerated growth and mutation.
There are three principal types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Another mark that may resemble an age spot is actinic keratosis, a precancerous growth caused by UV radiation damage.
Pictures appear below.
Can Age Spots Turn into Cancer?
Age spots cannot metamorphose into skin cancer, but actinic keratosis, which can mimic age spots, is a precancerous condition that, if left untreated, may develop into skin cancer. It is essential to monitor any new or changing marks on the skin and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms of skin cancer or actinic keratosis appear.
Symptom Comparison
There are several differences in symptoms between age spots and skin cancer that can aid an individual in identifying which condition is present.
Age Spot Symptoms
Age spots exhibit the following characteristics:
- flat and smooth
- yellow, brown, or gray
- well-defined borders
- between a few millimeters or centimeters
- on sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands, shoulders, feet, arms, and back
Age spots may fade in winter and become more prominent in summer due to increased sun exposure.
Skin Cancer Symptoms
Skin cancer symptoms can vary depending on several factors, including the type of skin cancer. Signs that a skin growth may be cancerous include:
- asymmetrical shape or irregular borders
- changing size, color, or shape
- multiple colors on the same spot
- unusual coloration such as pink, blue, purple, black, or brown
- raised, red patches or pale or yellow firm patches, resembling scars
- pain, itching, oozing, or bleeding
- crusty or scaly patches
- raised edges that dip in the middle
Signs of actinic keratosis include:
- rough, scaly patches
- red, gray, pink, or skin-colored patches
- flat scaly patches that resemble age spots
- scaly, rough bumps similar to acne
- pale or scaly patches on the lips
- horn-like growths
When to Contact a Doctor
Generally, a person should consult a doctor if they notice any skin symptoms that are not typical for them. Early diagnosis of skin cancer can facilitate easier treatment and favorable health outcomes. Seek medical advice if a mark on the skin:
- changes in color, shape, size, or location
- looks different from other marks on the skin
- persistently itches, crusts, scabs over, or bleeds and fails to heal within 4 weeks
Diagnosis
A doctor or dermatologist will perform a physical examination to diagnose age spots. If unsure after the examination, the doctor may perform a skin biopsy to test for other conditions, such as skin cancer or actinic keratosis. The results of a skin biopsy determine whether an individual has skin cancer or another skin condition.
Treatment
Age spots do not necessitate treatment as they are harmless. However, some individuals may opt for treatment to reduce their visibility. Possible treatments for age spots include creams, lotions, and procedures like laser treatments, cryosurgery, microdermabrasion, and chemical peeling.
Skin cancer treatments vary depending on the type and stage of cancer and an individual's specific circumstances. Treatments for skin cancer and actinic keratosis can include topical therapies, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and systemic medication.
Treatment for Age Spots
Because age spots are benign and pose no threat, no treatment is typically required unless an individual wishes to reduce their appearance. With that goal in mind, options include topical lightening agents, chemical peels, or laser therapy. A dermatologist can recommend treatments most likely to be effective.
Treatment for Skin Cancer
Treatment for skin cancer depends on various factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, and an individual's specific circumstances. Common treatments include surgical removal, radiation therapy, topical medications, or systemic treatments for advanced cases. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the best outcomes.
- Senior individuals should be aware of the differences between age spots and skin cancer, as both can develop due to sun exposure but require different treatments.
- Age spots, also known as solar lentigines or liver spots, are harmless and do not require medical attention. They appear as small, flat, and smooth patches on the skin, commonly found on sun-exposed areas like the face, hands, shoulders, and arms.
- Melanoma, on the other hand, is a type of skin cancer that requires immediate medical attention. Signs of melanoma can include an asymmetrical shape, multiple colors, irregular borders, and changes in size, color, or shape.
- Medical-conditions like dermatology and oncology specialize in diagnosing and treating various skin-conditions and health-and-wellness issues, including skin cancer and age spots.
- Adhering to skin-care practices can help minimize the risk of developing skin cancer and other skin-conditions. This includes regularly applying sunscreen, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and performing regular self-examinations to monitor for any changes to the skin.
