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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Old Sunburn Mark Turn Into Skin Cancer?

hi, i have a sunburn mark on my back from last may and i am worried it may be skin cancer because i read that sun damage can increase your chances. But then i read that skin cancer can take up to 20 years before it fully develops. So am i right to go to the GP and have it looked at?
Wed, 24 Jun 2015
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Oncologist, Surgical 's  Response
Any mole on the skin has the potential to turn into skin cancer. However, only a small percentage of moles develop into cancer and that too over a long period of time. The risk is more in fair skinned people and those with excessive sun exposure. The features of a mole getting converted into a cancer are change in size, color, shape, discharge or bleeding, pain, surrounding new lesions or nodes. If none of this has happened then you need not worry. just keep a track of its appearance. If any of this has happened or if you are not sure, its better to consult a specialist.
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General & Family Physician Dr. Elton Halili's  Response
Thank you for asking on HealthcareMagic.com, providing better healthcare for you. I have gone through your case and I can understand your concern. Yes, it's true that sun exposure may increase the risk for skin cancer, especially for melanoma, but genetics also plays an important role. However sunburn isn't considered as precancerous skin lesion. Predisposing factors for skin cancer are:
A. Advanced age (older than age 50)
B. Median age of 40 years for malignant melanoma
C. Exposure to ultraviolet light (sun exposure)
D. Fair complexion
E. Smokers (damaged lips)
F. Skin damaged by burns and/or chronic inflammation
G. History of blistering sunburns before 18 years of
age increases risk

If you have new lesions found on the skin or ulcer that does not heal, please see your GP.

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Can Old Sunburn Mark Turn Into Skin Cancer?

Any mole on the skin has the potential to turn into skin cancer. However, only a small percentage of moles develop into cancer and that too over a long period of time. The risk is more in fair skinned people and those with excessive sun exposure. The features of a mole getting converted into a cancer are change in size, color, shape, discharge or bleeding, pain, surrounding new lesions or nodes. If none of this has happened then you need not worry. just keep a track of its appearance. If any of this has happened or if you are not sure, its better to consult a specialist.