Melanoma refers to a kind of skin cancer that may unfold to different areas of the physique, claiming round 16,700 new victims within the UK yearly.

Monitoring your pores and skin and recognizing any uncommon adjustments is vital when making an attempt to detect pores and skin cancer.

However, recognizing the distinction between age spots, also referred to as liver spots, and pores and skin most cancers will be difficult.

Dr Ross Perry, the Medical Director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics, mentioned: “Age spots and skin cancer can have similarities and if you’re worried, it’s best to get it checked out.”

However, a number of key traits can assist distinguish between the 2.

Age spots normally appear to be small, flat, brown or black patches on areas which might be often uncovered to the solar - assume face, fingers, shoulders and arms.

While pores and skin most cancers additionally happens in these areas, there's one key distinction.

Age spots are normally uniform in color and have well-defined edges.

Dr Perry mentioned: “Skin cancer will often have a jagged border and is more than one colour, whereas an age spot should look more like a freckle.”

Furthermore, age spots could improve in quantity and develop into barely darker, however they usually stay unchanged.

Perry mentioned: “Melanoma can grow very quickly and can be life-threatening in as little as six weeks.

“You can get a new mole at any time, or a change to an existing mole, which is when you do need to get it checked out.”

Another distinction comes right down to the feel of age spots and pores and skin most cancers.

While age spots are normally flat and clean, skin cancer could seem tough, scaly, warty, ulcerated and even bleed.

Furthermore, age spots don’t trigger any discomfort or warning sensations.

However, pores and skin most cancers will be accompanied by numerous signs, together with itching, tenderness, ache, or bleeding.

Perry added: “If you find a lesion on your body, it’s best to visit your GP or dermatologist immediately. They will be able to identify whether there is cause for concern.”