Difference Between Skin Cancer Spots & Age Spots

Age spots are harmless skin lesions that often appear on older individuals. Skin cancer spots are dangerous, abnormal lesions marked by skin changes, itching or pain. Doctors can easily distinguish the differences between the two.

Significance

Age spots, also known as liver spots, typically cause nothing more than stress from changes in physical appearance. Skin cancer spots indicate the development of a potentially life-threatening disease.

Appearance

Age spots are usually flat, and may be gray, black or brown. Skin cancer may arise from existing moles or other skin growths, and may be accompanied by oozing, bleeding or scaling.

Types

Age spots are physically similar. Skin cancer comes in two basic forms: cancer of the skin cells and cancer of the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) that accompany skin cells.

Treatments

Some individuals may choose to lighten their age spots with bleaching products or have them removed. Skin cancer spots are treated with surgery, chemotherapy, photodynamic (light) therapy or radiation therapy.

Considerations

In some cases, age spots and cancer spots can look extremely similar. Individuals who suspect the presence of skin cancer should see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

References

• The Mayo Clinic
• American Cancer Society
• National Cancer Institute

Resources

• U.S. Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health: Skin Conditions