Can severe melasma lead to skin cancer?
Disease description:
My elder sister is 30 years old this year. She initially had mild patches on her face, which were melasma. Over time, the patches gradually grew larger, and her condition has now become quite severe. We would like to know whether severe melasma can lead to skin cancer.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Severe melasma generally does not lead to skin cancer. Melasma is a common skin condition primarily characterized by overactive melanocytes in the basal layer of the skin, which produce excessive melanin granules, resulting in changes in skin pigmentation. This condition is mainly limited to the epidermis and does not even involve the dermis, differing from the pathogenesis of skin cancer. Skin cancer is caused by abnormal cell proliferation and growth, which is not directly related to the increased melanin granules seen in melasma. Therefore, although melasma may affect appearance and cause psychological distress, it is not carcinogenic. However, it is important to note that prolonged ultraviolet (UV) exposure may increase the risk of skin cancer, and patients with melasma are often more sensitive to UV radiation. Therefore, melasma patients are advised to take enhanced sun protection measures and avoid prolonged sun exposure to reduce potential health risks.
