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Sun spots, age spots, moles, freckles, cysts. Our skin can develop many different bumps or markings over our lives. Some are harmless, but others may be cause for concern.
“Being able to tell the difference between a benign sun spot and a potentially cancerous mole could save your life,” says Kaiser Permanente’s Dr. Paola Rodriguez, a board-certified dermatologist. “Performing periodic self-checks, asking your doctor about regular screenings, and practicing daily UV protection are all ways to reduce your risk of skin cancer.”
But how can you tell if the marks on your skin may be cancerous? And what can you do to help prevent skin cancer? Here’s how to tell the difference between sun spots and skin cancer — and how to protect your skin.
What are sun spots?
Sun spots are harmless brown spots, also known as solar lentigines or age spots. They can show up on your face, hands, arms, or any part of your skin that gets sun exposure. Sun spots are usually:
- Flat and smooth
- Round or oval
- Light to medium brown
They also don't grow or change shape quickly
Sun spots are more common in people 50 or over. Yet they can happen in younger people, too.
Another common benign skin spot is called a seborrheic keratosis. These spots are usually brown and slightly raised and can feel scaly or crusty. They can appear on both sun-exposed and sun-protected areas. Most people start to get them as they get older, often in their 40s or later. Because they can look unusual, they can be easy to worry about — but they’re harmless.
Sun spots usually don’t progress to become skin cancer and don’t need treatment. But if you notice any rapid changes to one of these spots, get it checked out by your doctor right away.
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in your skin. Skin cancer spots can grow anywhere on the body, including in parts of the body that don’t get sun exposure. Spots that grow or change shape can also be a sign of potential skin cancer.
Melanoma is the least common type of skin cancer, but the most serious. It can quickly spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma often shows up as a new spot. But it can also start in a mole or skin mark you already have. Melanoma spots can have more than one color and an uneven shape.
Skin cancer risk factors
Some people are more likely to get skin cancer than others. If you have any of the following, you may want to take extra precautions, perform self-checks often, and schedule regular screenings:
- Family history of skin cancer
- Fair skin
- Naturally light-colored hair — red or blond
- A history of serious sunburns or prolonged sun exposure
- A large number of moles all over your body
How to check your skin
Whether your risk factor is high or low, having a full-body skin screening with your doctor is always a good idea. Based on your risk, ask your doctor how often you should schedule these screenings.
And everyone should perform regular self-checks. Here's what to look out for when doing these checks.
Remember the ABCDE rule
When doing a self-check, remember the ABCDE rule. This rule lists red-flag issues that can be cause for concern.
- Asymmetry: When one half of the mole or mark looks very different in shape from the other half.
- Borders: Edges that are blurry, irregular, or uneven on the outside of the mole or mark.
- Color: A variety of colors or shading in one mole or mark. Noncancerous moles or marks are usually all one color.
- Diameter: Anything larger than 6 millimeters in diameter — about the size of a pencil eraser.
- Evolving: A mole or mark that changes in shape, size, color, or texture over time.
If you notice a mole or mark with any of the above red-flag issues, make an appointment with your doctor.
Practice prevention
One of the best ways to prevent sunburns, premature aging, and skin cancer is by using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day. You should apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours. Be sure to use sunscreen on any area that might be getting sun — your neck, lips, ears, and even your scalp. You can also wear a hat for added sun protection.
When in doubt, get it checked out
If you’re still not sure if you have a sun spot or skin cancer spot, talk to your doctor. They can help you tell if a mole or skin spot is common or cancerous. Early detection can help prevent the spread of cancer. When it comes to skin cancer, it’s always a good idea to play it safe.