Distinguishing seborrheic keratoses from skin cancer such as melanoma can be challenging without professional training, but there are some characteristics you can observe. Seborrheic keratoses often have a ‘stuck-on’ appearance, similar to a piece of wax adhered to the skin, and tend to be uniform in color.
In contrast, melanoma may display asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, and changes in size over time. The ‘ABCDE’ rule (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than 6mm, and Evolving) is a helpful guideline when assessing suspicious skin lesions. If a patch meets any of these criteria, seek medical advice promptly.
4. Other Common Causes Of New Brown Patches On The Chest And Back
Several other conditions can cause brown patches on the skin. Lentigines, often called age spots or liver spots, are common and benign, typically appearing as flat, brown patches resulting from sun exposure. Tinea versicolor, a fungal infection, can also cause patchy skin discoloration, though it is often more noticeable in lighter-skinned individuals.
Additionally, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur after an injury or inflammation, leaving darker patches as the skin heals. Each of these conditions has distinct characteristics that can help differentiate them from more concerning changes, such as those associated with skin cancer.
5. Red-Flag Signs That Mean You Should Not Wait To Get Checked
Certain symptoms should prompt immediate medical evaluation. These include rapidly changing lesions, those that bleed or do not heal, and patches accompanied by severe itching, pain, or tenderness. If a patch exhibits any of these red-flag signs, it’s important to seek dermatological advice as soon as possible.
Other signs that warrant urgent evaluation include lesions that exhibit the ‘ugly duckling’ sign, meaning they look significantly different from other spots on your skin, or if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer can significantly improve outcomes.