Cancer: Could i have skin cancer?

I have developed a small area of roughened red skin over my right eyebrow, which refuses to heal up. It is not a mole or a freckle, and it never bleeds or itches. I am 53 and have spent quite a lot of time in the sun. Could this be skin cancer?

Dr Fred Kavalier answers your health question:

This could be a form of skin cancer, but it sounds more like an actinic keratosis. Actinic keratoses are small scaly patches that are caused by ultraviolet-light damage to the skin. Although they are not cancerous, they do have the potential to develop into skin cancer. Usually they do not turn into skin cancer, but occasionally they do. You need to see a dermatologist for a definitive diagnosis.

Please mail your questions for Dr Fred to health@independent.co.uk. He regrets that he is unable to respond personally to questions.