is this skin cancer????

[kelvvvz]

There is a brown line on my upper back. I would like to know if this is skin cancer??? I've been in the sun a lot in the summer and sweat. Its quite long.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm without examination but it does not look like a melanoma. It can be a freckle, sun spot or simple hyperpigmentation of the skin. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin.

My advice would be to consult a dermatologist.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[JoeyJhsn]

That picture is really low resolution and it's going to be hard for any doctor to diagnose you with that. To try to answer your question, it's probably not cancerous. From the picture you provided it looks more like sun spots than melanoma. Melanomas look more like dark, splotchy moles. They have a very distinctive appearance. Sun spots are basically just hyperpigmentation due to excessive sunlight. If they start to grow, change shape, or get darker, you'll want to see a doctor to be screened for melanoma, but for now, don't forget the sunscreen. Best of luck.