THIS MELAΝΟΜΑ AWARENESS MONTH, LARA OWEN ASKS THE EXPERTS HOW TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN AGE SPOTS AND SKIN CANCER

THE appearance of a new lesion or spot can be cause for concern particularly if you've been spending time in the sun.

- Lara Owen

While they can often be harmless age spots, new areas of pigmenta-tion can also be melanoma, otherwise known as skin cancer.

As the two look scarily alike, it's important to be able to differentiate between them.

Here are some ways that you can determine whether that mark on your skin is simply cosmetic, or if you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

HOW TO SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

While the two look alike, age spots are totally harmless in comparison to melanoma.

"Age spots also known as sunspots and liver spots are flat, brown areas on sun-exposed areas of the skin," explains consultant dermatologist at Nuffield Health, Dr Chris Harland. "Dermatologists refer to them as solar lentigos."

They are most common in adults with fair skin over the age of 50, and particularly for those who have spent a lot of time in the sun.

While direct sun exposure is the most common cause of age spots, tanning beds can also cause them.

"Age spots are usually flat and smooth and less than a centimetre in diameter," says Dr Harland.

"I find it useful to reassure patients that when they develop a light brown flat spot, which is the colour of coffee with added milk, then it is very likely to be safe."

However, it can be tricky to tell them apart when lentigos show different shades of brown.

"Melanomas which are much rarer can occur as flat spreading, irregular and dark or even black spots," says Dr Harland. "They may have at least two shades of brown, black or even pink.

"Whilst safe when flat, they can become lumpy [invasive] and dangerous."

He advises anyone with suspicious lesions to be checked by a GP or dermatologist, who can use a specialised microscope called a dermascope.