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skin cancer brown patches on skin
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #12793
52 days ago
79

skin cancer brown patches on skin - #12793

Vikram

I am really worried because I’ve noticed these brown patches on my skin over the past month or so. At first, I thought it was just sun damage since I do spend a lot of time outdoors. But they're not going away, and some of them are getting darker. I showed them to my friend who’s a nurse, and she mentioned it could be something serious like skin cancer. I also remembered my Aunt had brown patches on her skin before she got diagnosed with skin cancer, which kinda freaks me out even more. I've also read that not all brown patches are concerning but the ones on my arm are kinda rough and have irregular edges. I don’t know what to look for exactly, do brown patches on skin always mean skin cancer or could it just be age spots? I've been slacking on my dermatologist appointments since Covid and now I'm thinking maybe I should call one immediately. Are there any other signs I need to watch for with these brown patches or is skin cancer always obvious? It’s hard to find good info, and I’m just anxious about what to do. Anyone been in this situation? What was your experience with skin cancer brown patches on skin?

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Doctors’ responses

Brown patches on the skin can indeed be concerning, and you’re right to be attentive to changes in their appearance. While these patches can result from a range of causes, including benign ones like age spots or sun damage, it’s crucial to monitor them closely, especially if they are changing in color, size, or texture. The fact that the patches are getting darker and have irregular edges could be significant. Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, is often identified by changes in the appearance of the skin, such as asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, larger diameters (usually more than 6mm), and evolving texture or color. However, not all brown patches are cancerous. Seborrheic keratosis, a common benign skin condition, often appears as rough, brown patches too, but these aren’t always easy to distinguish from skin cancer without a professional examination. Given your family history and the changes you’ve noticed, it would be prudent to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible. They’ll perform a thorough skin evaluation, often using a dermatoscope, which allows for closer inspection of the skin lesions. They might also consider a biopsy if there’s any suspicion of malignancy. Additionally, look for new symptoms: if the patches itch, bleed, or begin to feel sensitive or painful, these could be additional signs that require prompt medical evaluation. While you await your dermatology appointment, protect the affected areas from further sun exposure by using sunscreen and covering them up when outdoors. You should use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply it every 2 hours when you’re outside. Prioritizing professional advice is the best course to ensure your skin health is accurately assessed and any necessary treatment is promptly started.

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