Skin Cancer Can Show Up in Some Surprising Spots

Skin cancer is the most widespread type of cancer in the United States. Everyone should get a yearly checkup from a dermatologist. Skin cancer most often develops on the face, lips, chest, neck, ears, back, arms and hands. But it can also show up in places you might not expect, which is why you need to keep a close watch on atypical locations between inspections by a dermatologist. 

At the office of Dermatology for the Family, our staff provides a warm and welcoming experience for each patient. We ensure that our patrons feel at ease. When you visit our office, you can be confident that you are receiving the finest and most advanced dermatological treatment available.

Read on to find out some unanticipated places where skin cancer can form. 

In your ear. Untreated skin cancer on the outside of your ear can spread to your ear canal, the tiny bones in your middle ear and the temporal bone. 

Your tongue. Symptoms include flat, hard, white patches that can’t be scraped off. Also, a tingling, numbness, or a persistent sore or lump. Tongue cancer isn’t uncommon in people who are heavy smokers and drinkers.

Under a fingernail or toenail. Thumbs and big toes are the most susceptible. Cancer under a nail can be due to a past injury rather than sun exposure. See a dermatologist if a dark streak appears under one of your nails. 

The white of an eye. Conjunctival melanoma is a growth on the clear membrane that covers the surface of the eye and inner eyelid. It frequently presents as a dark or red spot. It can become lethal if it spreads to other areas of your body via your bloodstream or lymph nodes. 

The scalp. Your hair doesn’t provide protection from damaging UV rays. Growths on your scalp aren’t unusual, and only 13 percent of skin cancers show up on your scalp. Nonetheless, wear a hat whenever you’re outside, and consult with a dermatologist if you have a sore that’s a small, smooth, waxy lump that bleeds or becomes crusty. 

But never wait for a dermatologist to notice what could be skin cancer. Check your whole body once a month using a full-length mirror and a hand mirror. And don’t hesitate to see a dermatologist if you have even the slightest suspicion that something may be amiss.

Dermatology for the Family’s main mission is to bring your skin back to its best well-being. We pride ourselves on our ability to fulfill our mission to deliver superior patient care. For more information about our practice and how we can help you, please call us to schedule an appointment.