Beyond the Surface: 7 Unexpected Sites where Skin Cancer can Appear
When we think about skin cancer, we usually imagine a dark spot or a mole appearing on some visible part of our skin. While it’s true that most skin cancers appear on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, arms, legs, and scalp, they can appear anywhere on our body, even in areas that receive little or no sun exposure. Here are seven unexpected sites where skin cancer can appear, along with some tips on how to protect your skin from this potentially deadly disease.
1. Under the fingernails and toenails
Did you know that skin cancer can grow beneath the nails or in the nail bed? This type of skin cancer is called subungual melanoma and is more common in people with dark skin. However, it can affect anyone, especially those who have a history of nail trauma or frequent use of acrylic nails or gel polish. To reduce your risk of subungual melanoma, avoid using harsh chemicals on your nails and examine your nails regularly for any unusual changes or discoloration.
2. Inside the mouth
Skin cancer can also appear inside the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and gums. This type of skin cancer is called oral melanoma and is more common in older adults and those who have a history of heavy alcohol and tobacco use. To reduce your risk of oral melanoma, avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, wear a lip balm with sun protection, and examine your mouth regularly for any unusual lumps, bumps, or discoloration.
3. Between the toes and on the soles of the feet
Skin cancer can grow in areas that receive minimal sun exposure, including the soles of the feet and the webbing between the toes. This type of skin cancer is more common in older adults, those with weakened immune systems, and people who spend a lot of time barefoot or in flip-flops. To reduce your risk of foot melanoma, wear shoes with adequate sun protection, apply sunscreen on your feet, and examine your feet regularly for any unusual changes or discoloration.
4. In the genital area
Skin cancer can also appear in the genital area, including the pubic region, scrotum, and vulva. This type of skin cancer is more common in older adults and those with a history of genital warts or infections with human papillomavirus (HPV). To reduce your risk of genital melanoma, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen on your genital area, and examine your genital area regularly for any unusual lumps, bumps, or discoloration.
5. Inside the ear
Skin cancer can grow inside the ear canal or on the inner ear. This type of skin cancer is more common in older adults and people who frequently use earbuds or headphones. To reduce your risk of ear melanoma, limit your use of earbuds or headphones, wear a hat or sun-protective clothing that covers your ears, and examine your ears regularly for any unusual changes or discoloration.
6. On the eyelid
Skin cancer can also appear on the eyelid, including the upper and lower eyelids. This type of skin cancer is more common in older adults and those with a history of chronic sun exposure or radiation therapy. To reduce your risk of eyelid melanoma, wear sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection, apply sunscreen gently on your eyelids, and examine your eyelids regularly for any unusual changes or discoloration.
7. In the anus
Skin cancer can grow inside the anus or on the anus skin. This type of skin cancer is more common in older adults and those with a history of anal warts or infections with human papillomavirus (HPV). To reduce your risk of anal melanoma, practice safe sex, avoid anal trauma, and examine your anal area regularly for any unusual lumps, bumps, or discoloration.
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Summary:
Skin cancer can appear in unexpected sites like the nails, mouth, feet, genitals, ears, eyelids, and anus, even in areas that receive little or no sun exposure. To reduce your risk of skin cancer, protect all parts of your body from the sun’s harmful rays, examine your skin regularly for any unusual changes or discoloration, and seek medical attention if you notice any suspicious spots or growths. Remember, early detection and prevention are crucial in the fight against skin cancer. #HEALTH