I need your help! - Cancer: Skin Message Board

Keplicas2 · 04-12-2004, 08:52 PM

I`m 20 and a couple of years ago I was in Myrtle Beach I got a bad peeling sunburn. After the skin peeled I was left with some brown marks on my shoulders. What are these? Also, does person have to have a mole in order to have the ability to develop melanoma?

L-Town · 04-13-2004, 07:12 AM

When you get a sunburn especially a bad one it can leave those brown spots which are more than likely freckles. Moles can turn cancerous but normally are benign tumors as called in the medical field. You can get skin cancer with or without moles.

Do yourself a favor and stay out of the sun or if you have to be in it use a sunscreen of at least 15. Suntanning only makes your skin age and puts you at greater risk for skin cancer.

L-Town

bill1958 · 04-13-2004, 05:43 PM

I sun burned many times and my back has many brown "freckles" from it. According to my research these spots are just freckles not actinic keratosis (precancerous). There is no problems as of yet and I am 45. However, I did not have any freckles or overt damage or moles on my face and head but I did get nonmelanoma skin cancer and actinic keratosis. Please for your own good avoid mid=day sun and use sunblock at all times when outdoors. I would see a Doctor to see if the brown spots are ok.