Sunspots (AKA age spots) appear on almost everyone’s skin eventually but are they simply harmless or could they be an indication of something more serious, like skin cancer?
Let's discuss the difference between sunspots and skin cancer and what you can do to keep the former from becoming the latter.
What are sunspots?
PSA for beach lovers: if you love the sun or have spent a decent amount of time exposed to it, sunspots – also called liver spots or age spots – are likely to show up on your skin at one point or another.
Age spots tend to appear – you guessed it – with age, though younger people aren’t entirely in the clear either. Vitamin D in appropriate amounts is good for you, but if you spend lots of time in the sun, you’re most definitely at risk.
These spots show up as small, dark areas on your skin (they can be tan, brown or black in colour). They vary in size, and tend to appear in places that are most easily exposed to the sun: the face, back of hands, shoulders, tops of feet, and arms.
What is melanoma?
Like sunspots, melanoma often appears as dark spots on the skin (they can be brown, tan, or grey, but also red, blue, and white, too), and tend to vary in size at the beginning with steady outward growth. Despite its similarity to seemingly harmless sunspots, melanoma is one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer that can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.
Also called cutaneous melanoma or malignant melanoma of the skin, there are four main types of melanoma skin cancer, but for the purposes of this post, we’ll keep it simple and focus on the most common type of melanoma: superficial spreading melanoma.
Superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) makes up 70% of all melanoma skin cancers. It can present as a small dark spot or even spread from a mole that’s already on the skin. Again, similar to liver or sunspots, this type of melanoma usually first appears on parts of the body that are most exposed to the sun, including the back, arms, and legs.
The Riversol SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen was created by Dr. Rivers to be lightweight and easily blendable for daily protection against sunburn, melanoma, and other forms of skin cancer. It’s been formulated with his signature antioxidant complex (Vitamin C, E, and beta-thujaplicin) to help reduce the look of sun damage and wrinkles over time.
5 ways to tell the difference between melanoma and sunspots
So how do you tell the difference between melanoma and sunspots? Because sunspots and melanoma can appear so similar at first glance, it’s helpful to consider the ABC(DE)s of melanoma to determine if you have reason to worry:
- Asymmetry: The growth in a melanoma spot tends to be different, where one side is typically bigger.
- Border: Check out the border of your spot; if it’s irregular or inconsistent, there’s reason to be suspicious.
- Colour: The darker the spot, the greater your concern should be. And if it’s more than one colour, definitely get it checked out.
- Diameter: As a general rule of thumb, melanomas tend to be larger in diameter than the eraser on top of a pencil, but there are also melanomas that start off very small, so it’s always best to keep an eye on a spot regardless of size. Growth is never a good sign.
- Evolution: Sudden changes, along with bleeding, itching, and pain to a skin spot should be investigated by your doctor for further diagnosis.
Keep in mind that this is only a general guide to spotting early stages of melanoma.
Early detection – whether it’s age spots or melanoma – can be more easily treated, so it’s best to do frequent skin checks. While age spots don’t typically require medical intervention, cosmetic treatment is available if desired.
Melanoma treatment, on the other hand, is always surgical, but early stage melanoma is highly curable and can sometimes even be done in a dermatologist’s office.
3 ways to prevent melanoma and protect your skin from sunspots:
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How’s your SPF game?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone use a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB protection) of SPF 30 or higher.
Our hydrating SPF 30 Lightweight Broad Spectrum Sunscreen meets these requirements and more! Designed by Dr. Rivers to provide daily sun protection for individuals with sensitive skin, it contains our signature anti-aging combination of phosphate from vitamin C & E paired with beta-thujaplicin from the Pacific Red Cedar, which works together to provide lasting protection and anti-aging benefits throughout the day. Bonus: we also have a travel-kit option in a carry-on friendly tote for easy application when on the go!
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Dress up, not down
Besides lathering yourself in protective sunscreen, take measures to limit your sun exposure: stay out of the sun when it’s at its hottest between 10am-2pm, and wear protective clothing if you’ll be exposed. Think wide-brimmed sun hats, cover-ups, and beach umbrellas!
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Anyone can get it
Melanoma can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, or race, but people with fair skin and those who have a history of heavy sun exposure are more susceptible.
“Better to be safe than sorry”
These are just a few proactive ways you can keep in mind to prevent melanoma. But, remember that age spots, while not cancerous, do indicate UV skin damage, which is a major risk factor for developing melanoma. So, “if you notice any suspicious spots, resembling sun, liver, or age spots anywhere on your body, see your doctor and get it checked out,” says Dr. Rivers. “It’s always better to be safe than sorry.”
References
- Mayo Clinic. Age spots (liver spots). Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/age-spots/symptoms-causes/syc-20355859
- Singh, Parmvir; Kim, Hee Jin; Schwartz, Robert A. 2016. Superficial Spreading Melanoma: an analysis of 97 702 cases using the SEER database. Retrieved from: https://journals.lww.com/melanomaresearch/Abstract/2016/08000/Superficial_spreading_an_analysis_of.11.aspx
- Canadian Cancer Society. What is melanoma skin cancer? Retrieved from: http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/skin-melanoma/melanoma/types-of-melanoma/?region=on
- Everyday Health. Melanoma or age spots? How to tell the difference. Retrieved from: https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-cancer/melanoma-or-age-spots-how-to-tell-the-difference.aspx
- Orzan, OA; Sandru, A; Jecan, CR. 2015. Journal of Medicine and Life. Controversies in the diagnosis and treatment of early cutaneous melanoma. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4392104/
- American Academy of Dermatology. Sunscreen FAQs. Retrieved from: https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs
- Erdei, Esther; Torres, Salina M. 2010. A new understanding in the epidemiology of melanoma. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3074354/
- American Cancer Society. Risk Factors for Melanoma Skin Cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html