The Difference Between Age Spots and Skin Cancer

In a world perpetually fixated on youth and beauty, it’s unsurprising that aging has become one of consumer’s top concerns when it comes to their skin – especially when considering that the effects of aging are visible right on the skin’s surface.

Between the natural rise in dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles as the human body matures, anti-aging solutions have become one of the most sought-after types of skincare products on the market.

But apart from aesthetics, the appearance of aging skin can bring forward many important questions into the minds of maturing consumers that may impact their overall wellbeing – such as, is this new mark on my skin an age spot or a sign of skin cancer?

While those genuinely worried about a potential skin cancer diagnosis, should undoubtedly consult with a dermatologist, or look into new artificial intelligence diagnostic innovations, there’s a few ways that concerned consumers can help determine whether their supposed age spots are safe or an indication of something more insidious.

Though some forms of skin cancer may look eerily similar to age spots, the characteristics of the two conditions vary greatly. Age spots – also known as liver spots – are consistently colored flat tan or brown spots located on the epidermal surface brought on by years of sun damage, usually on surfaces that receive the most exposure to the sun like the hands, face and shoulders. These spots come in a wide variety of sizes and can often be found clustered together, subsequently creating a more noticeable appearance.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): Comprising almost 70 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers, BCC generally develops in parts of the body that receive high levels of sun exposure, much like age spots. However, BCC’s appearance usually looks like a lump or a scaly spot that ranges between flesh tones, pinks, and shades of brown, making it easier to visually differentiate from the traditionally flat form of age spots.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): The remaining 30 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers, SCC also usually appear on sun-exposed areas but contrast from age spots in appearance and usually present as thick red or scaly spots, or a fast-developing lump.
Melanoma: While not as common as SCC and BCC, melanoma can be more dangerous as it can develop on any part of the body, whether sun-exposed or not. It can be flat or raised, and can often be diagnosed by the spots’ irregular borders. Though it may be the least common type of skin cancer, melanoma is widely considered as the most dangerous and has the highest death rate of all three types.

To determine whether a spot on your skin is cancerous, consumers can employ the simple ABCDE rule. This means checking a spot for asymmetry, borders that are blurry or irregular, different colors, diameter larger than six millimeters, and evolving shapes or characteristics.

While maintaining constant vigilance on any spots on your skin is important to your health, don’t conflate skin cancer and age spots as synonymous; fortunately, age spots are usually harmless

For preemptive prevention of skin cancer and age spots alike, make sure to use SPF on a daily basis and follow a consistent skin regimen to keep your skin healthy, happy and sun-damage free.