When most people think about a skin cancer screening, they probably picture a dermatologist checking moles and suspicious spots. But signs of skin cancer are not always as obvious as a changing mole or dark spot.
Skin cancer can develop almost anywhere on the body and can sometimes resemble something much more ordinary, such as a pimple, sore, rough patch, or discoloration. Knowing what to watch for can help you recognize changes that deserve a closer look from a dermatologist.
Here are several unexpected signs and locations that are worth knowing about.
A New Dark Streak Under a Nail
A dark streak under a fingernail or toenail can have many possible causes, including trauma, but it should not automatically be dismissed.
Although rare, melanoma can develop under or around a nail. It may appear as a brown or black vertical band, a darker area under the nail, or a change in the skin surrounding the nail. Other changes, such as nail splitting, lifting, or a bump beneath the nail, can also warrant evaluation.
A new or changing dark streak that does not have an obvious explanation should be examined by a dermatologist. This is particularly important because melanoma under the nail can be harder to recognize than melanoma on other areas of the skin.
A Pimple That Will Not Go Away
Not every stubborn blemish is skin cancer. Acne, cysts, and other benign growths can linger or recur.
However, skin cancer can sometimes resemble a pimple. Basal cell carcinoma, for example, may appear as a shiny or flesh-colored bump, while other skin cancers can resemble a sore or blemish. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that a spot that looks like a pimple but does not go away can be a warning sign worth having evaluated.
If a spot continues to return, grows, bleeds, crusts, or simply does not behave like your typical blemishes, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist rather than continuing to treat it as acne.
Chapped Lips That Keep Coming Back
Occasional dry, chapped lips are common, particularly during periods of dry or cold weather. But persistent roughness or scaling on the lips deserves attention.
Actinic cheilitis is a precancerous condition caused by chronic sun damage that most often affects the lower lip. It can cause persistent dryness, scaling, roughness, or changes in the texture of the lip. Some cases can progress to squamous cell carcinoma.
Because the lips receive regular sun exposure, protecting them with a lip product containing SPF and having persistent changes evaluated by a dermatologist are important steps in protecting your skin.
A New Pink, Red, or Purple Bump
A new bump that is painless may not seem particularly concerning, but some less common skin cancers can initially look surprisingly harmless.
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare form of skin cancer that can appear as a rapidly growing pink, red, purple, or skin-colored bump. It is often painless, although it can sometimes be tender or itchy. It most commonly develops on areas such as the head and neck that have received significant sun exposure, but it can occur elsewhere.
Merkel cell carcinoma is uncommon, so a new bump is far more likely to have a benign explanation. However, a growth that is new, rapidly enlarging, or changing should be evaluated rather than ignored.
A Rough or Scaly Patch on the Scalp
The scalp is easy to overlook during a skin check, particularly when it is covered by hair. But the scalp can develop skin cancer, especially in areas that receive significant sun exposure.
People with thinning hair or little hair may have more direct UV exposure to the scalp. A persistent rough, scaly, crusted, or changing spot on the scalp should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Regular sun protection can also help reduce UV exposure. Hats and sunscreen formulated for the scalp or exposed areas can be useful, particularly when spending extended time outdoors.
New or Changing Spots on the Palms and Soles
Skin cancer can develop on areas that receive relatively little sun, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Melanoma can occur on the palms, soles, and underneath or around the nails. These locations can sometimes be overlooked during routine skin checks, making it important to pay attention to new or changing spots in these areas.
When examining your skin, include your palms, the bottoms of your feet, between your toes, and around your nails. Look for new spots or changes in color, shape, size, or appearance.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
There is no single appearance that definitively identifies skin cancer. Some skin cancers are easy to recognize, while others can resemble common skin conditions.
As a general rule, make an appointment with a dermatologist if you notice a spot or growth that is:
- New and unusual for you
- Growing or changing
- Bleeding or crusting
- Not healing
- Repeatedly returning in the same location
- Persistently rough or scaly
- Different from the other spots on your skin
Skin cancer can appear in many different forms and locations. A dermatologist can examine a suspicious area and determine whether it needs further evaluation or a biopsy.
The Importance of Regular Skin Cancer Screenings
Knowing the signs of skin cancer is helpful, but it does not replace a professional skin examination.
Regularly checking your skin at home can help you notice changes between appointments, while a dermatologist can examine areas that may be difficult to see yourself, including the scalp, back, nails, and other less obvious locations.
If you notice something new or changing, do not wait for it to become painful or obviously concerning. Early evaluation gives your dermatologist the opportunity to identify and treat skin cancer when it is most treatable. Book your consultation today to schedule your annual skin check, 561-805-9399.
