A member asked:

How soon does skin cancer appear after being exposed to uv rays?

8 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Dr. David Masiello answered

Specializes in Hematology and Oncology

No time frame: We are all exposed to uv rays daily. It can take years to manifest a malignancy as a result of uv exposure.

Answered 4/11/2012

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Variable: In certain inherited forms of skin diseases, uv exposure can result in cancers in a very short time. However, in general, years of sun exposure (uva/uvb) are required before skin malignancies develop. Squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma all have uv exposure risk relationships.

Answered 3/28/2012

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Dr. Mike Bowman answered

Specializes in ENT and Head and Neck Surgery

Variable...long time: It depends a lot, but usually skin cancers occur months, but usually more like years after exposure. Risk of skin cancer is due to cumulative exposure to sun.

Answered 1/5/2019

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