<\/p>\n
The link between sun exposure and skin cancer is well established, but uncommon signs of skin cancer aren\u2019t always as obvious. Just because an area rarely sees sunlight doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re in the clear. Skin cancer can develop in unexpected places\u2014from the nail beds to the soles of your feet and even the eyes. While most cases do<\/em> appear on commonly exposed areas like the face, neck and ears, knowing where else to look can help you catch something serious early.<\/p>\n And the warning signs aren\u2019t always obvious. Beyond changes in moles or new growths, lesser-known red flags\u2014such as vision changes, dark streaks under the nails or lesions in intimate areas\u2014can also signal skin cancer. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Ahead, dermatologists break down the subtle warning signs, where they can show up and how to check your skin from head to toe.<\/p>\n About 10 percent of skin cancers aren\u2019t directly caused by UV exposure, according to New York dermatologist and spokesperson for The Skin Cancer Foundation, Ariel Ostad, MD. These can appear anywhere\u2014from the palms and nail beds to the scalp and genitals.<\/p>\n So what\u2019s behind them? Wainscott, NY dermatologist and founder of MACRENE Actives, Macrene Alexiades, MD, explains that viruses can play a role. \u201cWhile peri- and subungual squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common type of skin cancer on the nail, it appears first as a wart-like growth that grows quickly and can form a hard surface,\u201d Dr. Alexiades explains. \u201cAs a matter of fact, wart virus has been shown to cause SCC around the fingernail.\u201d<\/p>\n Skin of color is often more resistant to UV light thanks to higher levels of melanin, but that can lead to a dangerous misconception. \u201cWhen a person of color gets skin cancer, it\u2019s often found on the soles of the feet and the mucous membranes, which are rarely or never exposed to the sun,\u201d Dr. Ostad explains. \u201cAcral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), a very severe form of the disease, is more common among darker-skinned people.\u201d<\/p>\n Because these areas aren\u2019t typically checked, cancers here are more likely to go unnoticed. \u201cThese melanomas tend to appear on parts of the body not often exposed to the sun and often remain undetected until after the cancer has spread,\u201d Dr. Ostad says. ALM commonly presents as a dark brown or black discoloration on the soles, palms or under the nails.<\/p>\n Melanoma can also develop beneath the nails. Famously, Bob Marley\u2019s was first identified under his toenail after an injury that didn\u2019t heal.<\/p>\n \u201cCancer under the nails can be either a melanoma or a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC),\u201d Dr. Ostad explains. \u201cSun exposure is a major factor in melanoma on the nails, but trauma and injury can also lead to melanoma on the nails. HPV is also a major cause of cancer under the nails, along with possible trauma as a cause.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr. Alexiades notes that dark streaks are one of the most important warning signs. \u201cMelanoma under the nail can look like bruises, brown or black streaks or lines, so it’s important to keep a close eye on any dark areas by the cuticles,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n To reduce risk, sun protection still matters\u2014even here. \u201cLimit your sun exposure and apply sunscreen to the skin around your nail bed and don\u2019t wash it off,\u201d Dr. Alexiades says. \u201cMake sure to reapply SPF directly after. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Many nail polishes also have built-in protection to help preserve color from UV exposure. For those at higher risk, gloves are recommended, especially during outdoor activities.\u201d<\/p>\n UV exposure doesn\u2019t just affect the skin\u2014the eyes are vulnerable, too. Ocular melanoma is aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body, most commonly the liver. Early signs may include changes in pupil size or shape, bulging eyes or shifting position in the socket. Dark spots on the iris are another key warning sign. These cancers may also cause vision changes, including blurriness or partial vision loss.<\/p>\n Both Dr. Ostad and Dr. Alexiades recommend wearing UV-protective sunglasses daily. \u201cI recommend wearing sunglasses anytime you’re out in the sun, no matter the season, as damage to the eyes can happen year-round,\u201d Dr. Alexiades says.<\/p>\n \u201cSkin cancers, primarily squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), in the genitals are generally due to human papilloma virus (HPV),\u201d Dr. Ostad explains.<\/p>\n \u201cMelanomas can also arise in the genitals from pre-existing moles. It is important to have those areas examined during your annual visit by a dermatologist.\u201d<\/p>\n These cancers may take years\u2014even decades\u2014to develop after initial HPV exposure. That\u2019s why regular, thorough skin checks are so important, even in areas you might not think to examine.<\/p>\n The ABCDE rule is a helpful guideline for evaluating moles: asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, diameter larger than six millimeters and evolving changes in size, shape or symptoms such as itching or bleeding.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s also important to watch for the \u2018ugly duckling\u2019 sign,\u201d Dr. Collins says. \u201cThat\u2019s a mole that looks noticeably different from the rest.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr. Beer notes that some warning signs are more obvious. \u201cSores that don\u2019t heal\u2014especially in sun-exposed areas\u2014can be a sign of squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma,\u201d he says. \u201cLesions that are rapidly growing or painful should be evaluated more urgently.\u201d<\/p>\n A monthly self-check is one of the most effective ways to catch skin cancer early. \u201cStart in a well-lit room with both a full-length mirror and a hand mirror,\u201d says Austin, TX dermatologist Kristina Collins, MD. \u201cExamine your face, scalp, ears, neck, chest and abdomen first, then move to your arms, hands, nails, legs, feet and the soles of your feet. Don\u2019t forget hidden areas like the back, buttocks and between the toes.\u201d<\/p>\n Taking a methodical, head-to-toe approach helps ensure nothing is missed. \u201cIn general, patients should try to take a systematic approach, starting with the face to monitor for any new, persistent or worsening lesions,\u201d says Washington, D.C. dermatologist Jacob Beer, MD. \u201cPictures can be helpful to monitor lesions as well as to share them with their dermatologist at their next skin check.\u201d<\/p>\n Perhaps most concerning, not all skin cancers present in obvious ways.<\/p>\n \u201cSome skin cancers can develop in areas that are hard to see or may initially appear very subtle,\u201d Dr. Collins explains. \u201cNot all skin cancers are dark or raised. Some can look like a small pink patch, a persistent pimple or even a scar-like area.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAmelanotic melanomas can present as skin-colored lesions that rapidly progress,\u201d Dr. Beer adds. \u201cThere are also rare neuroendocrine tumors on the skin that can have very subtle findings or look like benign processes such as cysts and can grow quickly and potentially metastasize.\u201d<\/p>\n While not all skin cancers are caused by the sun, most still are\u2014and prevention remains critical. Washington, D.C. dermatologist Tina Alster, MD, explains that even early sun exposure can have long-term consequences. \u201cA single blistering sunburn in one\u2019s teens increases the risk of melanoma several fold,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n Plymouth, MA dermatologist and spokesperson for The Skin Cancer Foundation, Ramzi Saad, MD, emphasizes a layered approach. \u201cNo single sun protection method can protect you perfectly,\u201d he explains. \u201cClothing is the first line of defense against the sun, providing consistent protection that doesn\u2019t wear off over time. Don\u2019t forget a hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.\u201d<\/p>\n If you spot anything unusual\u2014whether it\u2019s a changing mole, a non-healing sore or a new lesion\u2014it\u2019s time to get it checked. \u201cIn general, I recommend about yearly for most of my patients,\u201d Dr. Beer says. \u201cFor patients who have a personal or family history of skin cancer, I’ll typically recommend more frequent visits every 4-6 months.\u201d<\/p>\n Early detection can make all the difference. When caught early, treatment is typically simpler\u2014and far more effective.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The link between sun exposure and skin cancer is well e […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1914,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[55],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nichebeaty.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1913"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nichebeaty.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nichebeaty.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nichebeaty.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nichebeaty.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1913"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/nichebeaty.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1913\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nichebeaty.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1914"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nichebeaty.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1913"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nichebeaty.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1913"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nichebeaty.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1913"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Not All Skin Cancer Is Caused by the Sun<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Uncommon Signs of Skin Cancer and Where They Appear<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Skin Cancer on the Palms and Soles<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Skin Cancer Under the Nails<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Skin Cancer in the Eyes<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Skin Cancer in Intimate Areas<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What to Look For<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How to Check Yourself at Home<\/strong><\/h2>\n
When Skin Cancer Has No Visible Symptoms<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How to Prevent Skin Cancer<\/strong><\/h2>\n
When to See a Doctor for Skin Cancer<\/strong><\/h2>\n