Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMelanoma vs. SunspotsDo Sunspots Turn Into Melanoma?How Quickly Does Melanoma Form?Sunspot TreatmentMelanoma Treatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Melanoma vs. Sunspots
Do Sunspots Turn Into Melanoma?
How Quickly Does Melanoma Form?
Sunspot Treatment
Melanoma Treatment
If you develop a spot on your skin, you might wonder if it ismelanomaor just a normal sign of aging.
By contrast,sunspots, also known as age spots or liver spots, are typically harmless.They appear as light brown to black lesions that are flat and oval in size. Sunspots usually develop on areas of the skin that are chronically exposed to the sun, such as the hands, face, shoulders, upper back, or tops of the feet.
While sunspots are often mistaken for melanomas and vice versa, some features set these lesions apart. This article will explain how to tell the difference between melanomas and sunspots, how to protect yourself from developing these spots, and when you should see a medical provider.
Melanoma (Skin Cancer) vs. Sunspots on Skin
When determining the difference between melanomas and sunspots, it’s helpful to reference the“ABCDE” mnemonic guideto melanoma. This tool describes the classic characteristics of melanoma skin cancers, which include:
Melanomas can develop from an existing mole but may also appear as a new mole. Sometimes, the lesions are painful, itchy, or tender. They are often, but not always, raised and can be hard and lumpy.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Waikato District Health Boardwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Melanomas can develop anywhere on the body but are most likely to show up on the trunk in men and the legs in women.
(Note that when a health authority or research is cited, the terms for sex or gender from the cited source are used.)
On the other hand, sunspots are usually painless and present as lesions that are:
Age spots generally affect areas of the skin that are repeatedly exposed to sunlight.
Cristina Pedrazzini / Science Photo Library / Getty Images
Other Skin Lesions That Look Like SunspotsSkin lesions that may be mistaken for sunspots include:FrecklesCherry angiomasSkin tagsMolesBirth marks
Other Skin Lesions That Look Like Sunspots
Skin lesions that may be mistaken for sunspots include:FrecklesCherry angiomasSkin tagsMolesBirth marks
Skin lesions that may be mistaken for sunspots include:
Sunspots aren’t typically thought to be harmful to your health.They don’t develop into cancer, though melanomas and sunspots can occur on the same area of the skin. Sunspots are often difficult to tell apart from skin cancers.
Additionally, some studies have suggested that age spots are associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, though the mechanism isn’t understood.One theory is that people with sunspots are more likely to have sun damage, which also puts them at risk for melanoma.
Certain types of melanoma grow more quickly than others. If untreated, some melanomas can become life-threatening in a matter of weeks. The chances of curing melanoma drop significantly if the cancer spreads to other areas of the body.Diagnosing and treating melanoma promptly is important for a favorable outlook.
Sunspots: Screening, Removal, and Sun Protection
While sunspots are usually nothing to worry about, it’s a good idea to see your healthcare provider any time you develop a new lesion on your body. Additionally, you should seek medical care if your age spots change in appearance.
Some people want to get rid of their sunspots because they are cosmetically unappealing. Treatments for sunspots may include:
Natural Remedies for SunspotsAlthough they are not always proven to work, some people try natural approaches to remove their sunspots, such as applying lemon, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, or even onions to the lesion. You should talk to your healthcare provider before attempting to use any of these remedies.
Natural Remedies for Sunspots
Although they are not always proven to work, some people try natural approaches to remove their sunspots, such as applying lemon, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, or even onions to the lesion. You should talk to your healthcare provider before attempting to use any of these remedies.
Melanoma: Screening, Treatment, and Sun Protection
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) doesn’t take a side for or against routine screenings to detect skin cancers early.However, people who have a history of skin cancer, are at high risk for skin cancer, or develop new skin lesions are encouraged to see their healthcare providers regularly for a full-body skin exam.
Dermatologists also advise that all people conduct regular self-exams to check for any skin changes, including new moles or lesions.
Treatmentsfor melanoma will depend on how advanced it is. Some options include:
Who Is at High-Risk for Melanoma?Some risk factors for melanoma include:Being exposed to excessive ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or indoor tanningHaving a weakened immune systemHaving many molesHaving fair skin, light eyes, and light or red hairHaving a history of skin cancerHaving a family history of melanoma
Who Is at High-Risk for Melanoma?
Some risk factors for melanoma include:Being exposed to excessive ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or indoor tanningHaving a weakened immune systemHaving many molesHaving fair skin, light eyes, and light or red hairHaving a history of skin cancerHaving a family history of melanoma
Some risk factors for melanoma include:
Summary
Sunspots and melanomas are two very different skin issues that require different treatments. However, it’s often difficult to tell them apart. One key distinction is that sunspots form on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, while melanomas can develop anywhere on the body.
Because it often takes a trained eye to distinguish between a sunspot and a melanoma lesion, you should see your healthcare provider anytime you notice a new spot on your skin.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Cancer Institute.What does melanoma look like?MedlinePlus.Aging spots - should you be concerned?American Cancer Society.What is melanoma skin cancer?Mount Sinai.Liver spots.Choi W, Yin L, Smuda C, Batzer J, Hearing VJ, Kolbe L.Molecular and histological characterization of age spots.Exp Dermatol. 2017;26(3):242-248. doi:10.1111/exd.13203The Skin Cancer Foundation.How dangerous is melanoma? It’s all a matter of timing.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Screening for skin cancer.American Cancer Society.Risk factors for melanoma skin cancer.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Cancer Institute.What does melanoma look like?MedlinePlus.Aging spots - should you be concerned?American Cancer Society.What is melanoma skin cancer?Mount Sinai.Liver spots.Choi W, Yin L, Smuda C, Batzer J, Hearing VJ, Kolbe L.Molecular and histological characterization of age spots.Exp Dermatol. 2017;26(3):242-248. doi:10.1111/exd.13203The Skin Cancer Foundation.How dangerous is melanoma? It’s all a matter of timing.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Screening for skin cancer.American Cancer Society.Risk factors for melanoma skin cancer.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Cancer Institute.What does melanoma look like?MedlinePlus.Aging spots - should you be concerned?American Cancer Society.What is melanoma skin cancer?Mount Sinai.Liver spots.Choi W, Yin L, Smuda C, Batzer J, Hearing VJ, Kolbe L.Molecular and histological characterization of age spots.Exp Dermatol. 2017;26(3):242-248. doi:10.1111/exd.13203The Skin Cancer Foundation.How dangerous is melanoma? It’s all a matter of timing.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Screening for skin cancer.American Cancer Society.Risk factors for melanoma skin cancer.
National Cancer Institute.What does melanoma look like?
MedlinePlus.Aging spots - should you be concerned?
American Cancer Society.What is melanoma skin cancer?
Mount Sinai.Liver spots.
Choi W, Yin L, Smuda C, Batzer J, Hearing VJ, Kolbe L.Molecular and histological characterization of age spots.Exp Dermatol. 2017;26(3):242-248. doi:10.1111/exd.13203
The Skin Cancer Foundation.How dangerous is melanoma? It’s all a matter of timing.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Screening for skin cancer.
American Cancer Society.Risk factors for melanoma skin cancer.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
