How to Tell the Difference

GettyImages/ucpage

If you’ve noticed a new mole or a small, freckle-like patch on your skin, you might be wondering: Is this mark an age spot or could it be melanoma? Given how prevalent skin cancer is—one in five Americans will develop it in their lifetime—your reaction is reasonable. “The prevailing message you’ll hear from dermatologists is to get any new skin growth like a mole checked out,” says Trevan Fischer, M.D., a surgical oncologist and assistant professor of surgical oncology for Saint John’s Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. “That said, if you’re in your 50s or 60s, it’s worth learning what age spots look like because otherwise, you might be going to your dermatologist every week.”

Signs of Age Spots

Sometimes called liver spots or sunspots, the official medical name for age spots is lentigo (or solar lentigo). Age spots usually occur on areas of the skin where you’ve had the most sun exposure, says Dr. Fischer. That’s why they tend to appear on the face, neck, hands, and arms. They can also develop where you don’t get much sun, though, like on your back, belly, chest, and legs. Age spots have a distinctive look, Dr. Fischer adds. Typically, they appear:

• About the size of a freckle

• Light in color—usually tan or brown—vs. a darker, blackish hue

• Uniform in color vs. variations within that spot

• Defined with clear margins vs jagged or notches edges

• Flat vs. raised (you can’t feel them if you run your hand along your skin)

That said, age spots can darken with sun exposure, so you may notice them more in the summer, says Susan Massick, M.D., an associate professor of dermatology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine in Columbus. They can also lighten with more sun protection, such as wearing long sleeves or applying sunscreen regularly.

In general, age spots are one of the most common signs of aging and the result of decades of sun exposure. They may bother some people because of how they look, says Dr. Fischer, but as for your health, they’re harmless.

Signs of Melanoma

By contrast, melanoma can present a significant health risk, especially if it goes undiagnosed and untreated. There are four subtypes of melanoma with differences among them, but they all tend to follow a certain set of guidelines for detection called the ABCDEs. That includes:

• Asymmetry: Cancerous moles are often asymmetrical, which means the shape isn’t the same on both sides. This can be especially noticeable in a type called superficial spreading melanoma which tends to grow outward first instead of down through layers of skin.

• Border: Benign moles and age spots often have well-defined borders, but melanoma often has the opposite, Dr. Massick says. You may see an edge that looks “blurry” or is jagged.

• Color: Although melanoma doesn’t always have color variation within a mole, it’s common for there to be spots that are lighter or darker, Dr. Massick says. You may also notice a mole that is much darker than the other moles you have.

• Diameter: Melanoma growths are normally larger than 6 millimeters in diameter, about the size of a pencil eraser. Some age spots can be that size or larger, but Dr. Fischer says most are fairly small, like tiny dots or freckles.

• Evolution: One of the most important parts of detection is whether a mole or spot is growing, in either an outward direction (meaning it takes over more of your skin), or an upward direction, away from the skin (so it becomes more like a scab or bump).

Melanoma can occur on any part of your skin, including within existing moles. So when you’re doing a skin check, try to do a full-body scan—including your genitalia, palms, the soles of your feet, and even under your fingernails and toenails, Dr. Massick suggests. It’s also important to notice if there’s any bleeding, itching, pain, or discomfort with a mole that seems to be growing, Dr. Massick says, since those are all potential signs of melanoma.

Risk factors of melanoma include:

• A large number of moles

• History of severe sunburns over a lifetime

• Pale or fair skin, as well as blue eyes, which raises your risk for skin cancer

• Previous personal or family history with melanoma or another skin cancer

• Use of tanning beds regularly

If you have risk factors like these, and you’re seeing suspicious moles that are new—particularly if they meet criteria from the ABCDE list—it’s a good idea to get them checked, Dr. Massick says.

Can Age Spots Turn Into Cancer?

Having lots of age spots doesn’t make you more likely to develop melanoma, says Dr. Massick, but there is a type of melanoma that often appears as if it’s “underneath” an age spot. This kind is called lentigo maligna, and is most common in older people who have chronically sun-damaged skin. It’s a slow-growing subtype of melanoma and appears most often on the head and neck, where someone is likely to have had the most sun exposure.

Age spots don’t technically morph into cancerous lesions, but they may occur on the same area of the skin, which would make it look like an age spot has turned into melanoma, Dr. Massick adds. Regardless, just because age spots don’t turn into cancer, you still need annual skin exams. As Dr. Massick notes, any area of skin can develop a melanoma, whether there is an age spot present or not.

Next Steps if You Suspect Skin Cancer

Doing a regular skin check—or asking a loved one or partner to do one for you—can be key for catching any issues early. That’s a huge deal, considering that the five-year survival rate for patients with stage 0 melanoma (called melanoma-in-situ and referring to melanoma that affects only the outermost layer of skin) is 97%, compared to 10% for those with stage 4 melanoma. If you have a suspicious mole or growth, make an appointment with a dermatologist to get it checked, Dr. Massick suggests. And even if you don’t spot anything worthy of concern, make an appointment for an annual dermatology exam to stay on track with cancer prevention and skin health.

Notes: This article was originally published October 31, 2022 and most recently updated November 8, 2022.

Skin Cancer Statistics: American Academy of Dermatology. (2022.) “Skin cancer.” https://www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer

Age Spots: National Institute on Aging. (2017.) “Skin Care and Aging.” https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging

Skin Changes with Aging: National Library of Medicine. (2022.) “Aging changes in skin.” https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004014.htm

Within Existing Moles: Skin Cancer Foundation. (2022.) “Melanoma.” https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/

Lentigo Maligna: National Library of Medicine. (2022.) “Lentigo Maligna Melanoma.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482163/

Survival Rate: National Library of Medicine. (2022.) “Malignant Melanomas.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470409/

Our Review ProcessElizabeth Millard, Health Writer:  

Elizabeth Millard is a journalist specializing in health, wellness, fitness, and nutrition. Her articles have appeared in SELF, Men’s Health, CNN, MyFitnessPal, and WebMD, and she has worked on patient education materials for Mayo Clinic and UnitedHealth Group.

Christopher Sayed, M.D., Associate Professor of Dermatology:  

Chris Sayed, M.D., is an Associate Professor of Dermatology practicing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has a special clinical interest in the medical and surgical management of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), and is the Director of the HS clinic at UNC.

Sun spot or skin cancer? Know the difference

by

Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente

|

April 17, 2023

Sun spots, liver spots, moles, freckles, cysts — oh my. Our skin can develop many different bumps or markings over the course of our lives. Some are harmless, but others may be cause for concern.

“Being able to tell the difference between a sun spot and a potentially cancerous mole could save your life,” explains 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 are potentially cancerous and what can you do to help prevent skin cancer? Here’s what to keep in mind:

Factor in your risk

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

Check yourself

Whether your risk factor is high or low, scheduling 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.

Everyone, however, should perform regular self-checks. Each month, check your skin from head to toe to see if you notice any abnormal marks or moles. When performing these checks, here’s what to look out for:

Seeing spots?

If you’re over 50, you may notice spots appearing on the areas of your skin that are often exposed to the sun — like your face, hands, neck, etc. These spots are called “actinic lentigines,” which are more commonly referred to as sun spots, age spots, or liver spots. These small, gray-brown spots aren’t a type of skin cancer. They also don’t progress to become skin cancer and don’t require any treatment. But if you notice any rapid changes to one of these spots, get it checked out by your doctor right away.

Remember the ABCDE rule

When performing a self-check, you’ll want to remember the ABCDE rule. This rule lists red-flag issues that could be cause for concern.

• Asymmetry: When one half of the mole or mark looks very different in shape to the other half.
• Borders: Edges that are blurry, irregular, and uneven on the outside of the mole or mark.
• Color: A variety of colors or shading in one mole or mark. Non-cancerous 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 displaying any of the above red flag issues, then schedule an appointment with your doctor right away.

Practice prevention

Regularly using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher is one of your best ways to prevent sun burns, premature aging, and skin cancer. You’ll want to 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 some 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 the mole or skin spot you have is common or cancerous, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Early detection can help prevent the spread of cancer so don’t be afraid to reach out with any questions or concerns. When it comes to skin cancer, it’s always a good idea to play it safe.

Tags:

Not Found (#404)

Paracelsus Medical Center

Page not found.

The above error occurred while the Web server was processing your request.

Please contact us if you think this is a server error. thank you.

Leave feedback

Write to management

Jobs

Please wait, download may take time

Loading…

You know which doctor you want to book

You know the service you want to book

Service selection

A second consultation is considered to be a consultation of one specialist within 30 days from the date of the previous appointment. On the 31st day from the previous visit to a specialist of this profile, the consultation will be primary.

The choice of a specialist

Service selected:

Choosing a specialist service

A second consultation is considered to be a consultation of one specialist within 30 days from the date of the previous appointment. On the 31st day from the previous visit to a specialist of this profile, the consultation will be primary.

Address selection:

st. Vikulova, 33, building 2

st. Bolshakova, d. 68

Date selection:

Time of receipt:

Password

Password

Register
Can’t login?
account activation

To gain access to your personal account, enter the e-mail that was specified during registration, we will send instructions for password recovery

To gain access to your personal account, enter the e-mail that was specified during registration, we will send instructions for reactivating your account

Your application has been accepted, our specialists will answer your question as soon as possible!

Telephone

Commentary

By clicking on the confirmation button, I agree with
personal data processing policy

Dear patients!
Multidisciplinary Clinic and Maternity Hospital “Paracelsus” informs you, according to the Letter of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation to the Federal Tax Service dated March 25, 2022. N BS-4-11 / 3605, that subparagraph 3 of paragraph 1 of Article 219 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation provides for the taxpayer’s right to receive a social tax deduction in the amount paid by him in the tax period for medical services provided by medical organizations engaged in medical activities , him, his spouse, parents, children (including adopted children) under the age of 18, wards under the age of 18 (in accordance with the list of medical services approved by the Government of the Russian Federation).

Joint order of the Ministry of Taxation of Russia and the Ministry of Health of Russia of July 25, 2001 N 289 / BG-3-04 / 256 (hereinafter – the order of July 25, 2001) approved the form of the Certificate of payment for medical services for submission to the tax authorities of the Russian Federation (hereinafter – the Certificate payment for medical services).

This certificate certifies the fact of receiving a medical service and its payment through the cash desk of a healthcare institution at the expense of the taxpayer.

Thus, if the taxpayer submits to the tax authority a Certificate of payment for medical services, the taxpayer’s failure to submit the relevant contract for the provision of medical services and (or) documents confirming payment cannot be grounds for refusing to provide such a deduction.

The amounts are based on payment data. Therefore, checks, an agreement and a clinic license are not needed to make a deduction.

Sample certificate attached.

Help Sample

Your application has been accepted, our specialists will contact you shortly!

Telephone

Comment

By clicking on the confirmation button, I agree with
personal data processing policy

Deputy Director for Medical Activities of the Multidisciplinary Clinic “Paracelsus”

Makeev Alexander Anatolyevich

Telephone

Comment

By clicking on the confirmation button, I agree with
personal data processing policy

Pigmented nevi | Diamed

Pigmented nevi are benign accumulations of pigment cells on the skin. These include moles, birthmarks.

Different concentrations of melanin in pigmented nevi give a wide variety of colors – from yellowish-red to black. They may be flat or slightly convex, and their surface may be smooth, bumpy, folded, or papillomatous. Some of these moles are covered with hair.

In infants, nevi are extremely rare, they begin to appear later, especially at a young age, and their number increases with age.

Size ranges from barely visible moles to giant nevi. Such giant nevi have a sad chance of developing into melanoma. The larger the nevus, the faster it is turned.

Types of nevi

Dysplastic nevi are pigment spots of an unusual configuration with indistinct edges, their color varies from reddish-brown to brown on a pink background. For the first time, they drew attention because of their non-standard appearance and because they are inherited. Dysplastic nevi reach up to 10 mm in diameter.

Nevus borderis pigmentosum . A feature is that its melanocytic activity is increased. Outwardly, it looks like a flat black nodule with a diameter of 1 cm with a dry and smooth surface.

An important distinguishing feature is the complete absence of hair. Sometimes a borderline nevus can be a spot with smooth wavy edges. It has no specific locations. This nevus is found on the face, and on the neck, and on the torso. As a rule, the borderline nevus is congenital, but can appear even during puberty.

Nevus blue is a rounded blue-blue nodule with a firm consistency. Its smooth surface is hairless.

It is characterized by strong accumulations of melanin in the dermal layers, hence its bluish color. A nodule 0.5 cm in size. A blue nevus is found mainly on the face, limbs, buttocks, and also in the oral cavity.

Blue nevus is especially common among residents of Asian republics. It appears after puberty. The blue nevus is among the melanoma-dangerous, because. cases of melanoma development at the site of this nevus have been recorded.

Giant nevus pigmentosa – can only be congenital. Its growth is proportional to the growth of the child. It can cover the torso, neck and other areas. The surface of the nevus, consisting of bumps, warts and cracks, has a hairline. Color varies from gray to brownish brown. Development into a malignant tumor occurs in 10% of cases.

Papillomatous nevus is characterized by a surface consisting of bumps and irregularities. Often it can be found on the scalp. Differs in large size (several centimeters) and irregular outlines. The color ranges from skin color to dark brown.

Intradermal nevus . This is the most common birthmark that can be seen in every person. They are found on the skin and mucous membranes. These nevi can be both congenital and can form in the womb. Most people do not consider a birthmark a cosmetic inconvenience.

Alarm signals

The risk of its degeneration into melanoma is about 5% in owners of a small congenital nevus. And the transformation of a giant nevus into melanoma occurs in 40%.

Very dangerous and undesirable mechanical damage – stripping, scratching, as well as radiation damage – sunbathing in direct sunlight and going to the solarium.

You should be alert if:

• the pigment spot has increased in height or width
• mole has lost its clear outline
• the birthmark has changed its color, becoming more or less pronounced
• nodules, crusts appeared on the surface of the nevus, and it also began to bleed
• enlarged lymph nodes in the groin, armpits on the neck

When are pigmented nevi removed for prophylaxis?

• it is better to remove nevi in ​​childhood before puberty
• if the mole is located where it can be accidentally plucked or damaged
• nevus is larger than 1.5 cm
• mole color brown or black

Timely removal of a mole with the above signs will not allow the formation of a malignant tumor in this place.

Removal of pigmented nevi is one of the operations performed in the network of Moscow clinics “Diamed”. Doctors with extensive experience will be able to painlessly relieve their patients of skin formations. The procedure is carried out in the clinics “Diamed Maryina Roshcha”

The selection of medicines for the treatment of pigmented nevus is carried out only by a doctor and strictly on an individual basis, based on the type, age and characteristics of the patient’s body.

Methods for removing pigmented nevi

• Small nevi are removed with a laser. Local anesthesia is used here and many small nevi can be removed at once in one visit. A crust appears at the place of removal, which will fall off in seven days. The traces are practically invisible, so the laser method is used to remove facial moles.
• Surgical excision is used for large nevi. The operation is performed under local or general anesthesia with suturing.

The decision on the method of treatment is made as a result of the study of the nevus. In some cases, consultation with an oncologist is required. When surgical excision is used, the neoplasm is sent for histology to determine if it is melanoma.

You should never remove moles and birthmarks yourself. This is fraught with infection and other troubles.

Conditionally pigmented nevi can be divided into four categories according to their size:

• small (up to 1.5cm)
• medium (up to 10 cm)
• large (up to 20 cm)
• giant (more than 20 cm)

Multiple pigmented nevi are quite rare (5%). Such a nevus consists of a large focus and small pigment spots and affects the lower body, limbs, back and chest.

Types of pigmented nevus

Histological examination subdivides pigmented nevi into the following types:

• mixed
• epidermal
• dermal
• spindle cell
• blue

To determine whether a nevus is congenital, an analysis should be made for the presence of nevus cells in the subcutaneous adipose tissue.

From nevus to skin melanoma

Melanoma is a malignant tumor originating from melanocytes. Melanoma of the skin can develop both from epidermal melanocytes of normal skin and from birthmarks.

The incidence of melanoma has increased in recent years, especially in women under the age of 40. Melanoma is called the “Queen of tumors” for its rapid metastasis – the diseased person dies in a few months.

Melanoma grows above the skin, along its surface and in depth. The deeper the tumor strands penetrate, the worse the prognosis.

Symptoms of melanoma

At first, melanoma is a dark spot that rises slightly above the surface of the skin. Growing up, it becomes similar to an exophytic tumor, which can ulcerate in the future.

Melanoma can be recognized by three signs:

• dark color
• high-gloss
• disintegrating property

This is due to the accumulation of pigment, damage to the epidermal layer and the fragility of the formation.