Age spots may be unsightly but do not pose a health risk; however, newly appearing dark spots could warrant further evaluation by medical personnel.
Skin cancers (in particular melanoma) can often resemble age spots. Therefore, it’s essential that we can distinguish the difference quickly – an exam could save lives!
What are age spots?
Age spots (also referred to as solar lentigines or lentigo senilis) are areas of skin pigmentation typically seen among older adults, often as the result of chronic exposure to UV radiation that accelerates melanin production in the body – the dark pigment responsible for giving skin its color.
Flat, brown or black areas of skin vary in size and typically appear where sunlight hits most intensely – the face, hands, shoulders or arms. They may resemble precancerous growths or cancerous tumors and should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider as soon as they emerge or change in any way.
Age spots do not typically necessitate treatment unless they cause discomfort or indicate medical issues; however, many may want them removed or lightened cosmetically for aesthetic purposes. Creams containing bleaching ingredients may fade them gradually over time while procedures such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels or laser therapy can also help diminish age spots.
What are the symptoms of skin cancer?
Skin cancers can develop anywhere on the body and are most prevalent in areas exposed to sunlight like the face, hands and arms but may also appear on soles of feet, genital areas or between fingers and toes. Early detection and treatment increases chances of survival while delaying surgery, disfigurement or even death in severe cases.
Skin cancer symptoms and signs can range widely, from pain, bleeding, itching or discharge to pink, red or dark-coloured new growths that appear rapidly growing and appear suspiciously asymmetrical or with shifting borders, becoming darker or lighter, shifting shapes or sizes or changing shape and size.
Regular self-exams and professional screening can help detect early signs of skin cancer. Your physician can make an accurate diagnosis using a simple biopsy test.
How do I know if I have age spots?
Always consult a doctor when experiencing skin changes that could indicate sun spots or cancerous growths, including any new marks that appear. A physician will examine them closely to ascertain what they are and when it comes to melanoma early detection can save lives.
Age spots (also referred to as solar lentigines or liver spots) are light brown to black marks that form when exposed to direct sunlight, typically on parts such as the face, hands and shoulders. They resemble freckles in appearance but may form alone or appear as groups.
Dermatologists can quickly recognize age spots by looking at their size, shape and color; how it feels on the skin; as well as use biopsies to take small samples for further testing in labs. Most often doctors advise using topical lighteners without mercury as a cosmetic solution to fade these marks over time.
How do I know if I have skin cancer?
Skin cancer comes in various forms and should be detected early for best results. Be on the lookout for new spots or sores that don’t heal as expected or changes to existing moles; be especially alert for itchy areas that don’t go away – these could be telltale signs of Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
Your dermatologist will conduct a biopsy in order to definitively diagnose skin cancer, and they’ll examine the area to assess if there’s a tumor present or just abnormal tissue. They may also ask how long this skin feature has been there, whether its growth has increased over time and whether any symptoms exist as part of its assessment.
People who have already had skin cancer have an increased risk of getting another one, so it’s essential that everyone establish the habit of checking their skin at least once every month to detect potential problems while they’re small and more treatable.