6 Spots Where Melanoma Can Hide

• Skin cancer is often caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun (or tanning beds). So it's easy to assume that melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, will develop on parts of the body that get a lot of sun exposure, like the face, arms, or shoulders.  

  But that's not always the case.

  Unlike other types of skin cancer, melanoma sometimes starts in less-exposed areas—where you might not think to look. And melanoma can also appear different than typical skin cancers.  

  As a result, harmful growths can go undetected for longer. By the time they're found, they may be more advanced and harder to treat.  

  To protect yourself, it’s important to make time to check your skin from head to toe—including these six sneaky spots.  

  1. Under the nails

  Melanoma can form beneath the fingernails or toenails. Often, it shows up as a vertical brown or black stripe on the nail. Other nail problems can also be a red flag. Look out for:  

  • Darkened skin next to your nail.
  • A nail lifting up from the nail bed.
  • A nail that's split down the middle.
  • A bump or growth underneath the nail.  

  2. On the palms or soles

  While you're examining your nails, give your hands and feet a thorough once-over. Often, new or unusual lesions might look like a sunspot or bruise.  

  • Make a point of checking:
  • Your palms.
  • The soles of your feet—a common site of melanoma among Black Americans.
  • The sides of your hands, feet, fingers, and toes.
  • In between your fingers and toes.  

  3. In the eyes

  Ocular melanoma, or melanoma of the eyes, can appear as a dark spot in the colored part of your eye. It can also form on the skin of the eyelids, which might only be noticeable when a person's eyes are closed.  

  But more often, it starts behind the eye, where you can't see it by looking in a mirror. In those cases, the melanoma might cause symptoms like:

  • Floaters.
  • Blurry vision in one eye.
  • Loss of peripheral vision.

  Keep up your regular eye exams. And see an eye doctor right away if you experience symptoms that might be melanoma.  

  4. Under hair

  Melanomas on the scalp, around the hairline, or at the nape of the neck are often hidden by hair, so they can be difficult to spot.  

  You can use a comb or hair dryer to part your hair so you can do a self-check. Or ask the person who cuts your hair to let you know if they see any odd-looking spots or growths on your scalp.  

  5. On genitals or under the breasts

  Melanoma can start in areas that get very little sun—including the genitals. When melanoma starts on the genitals, it may look like dark spots or irregular tissue. Use a hand-held mirror to examine your genitals and buttocks for any suspicious changes.  

  If you have breasts, lift them to check underneath as you shower or do your regular skin self-check.  

  6. On the mouth and lips

  Melanomas that form in or around the mouth can look like a cold sore. The difference? A cold sore will go away on its own within 10 days, while the melanoma will continue to stick around.  

  Staying protected

  Regular self-checks are the key to catching skin cancer in its earliest stages, when it's easiest to treat. Ultimately, you'll want to keep an eye out for any spots or growths that seem new or that appear to be changing in size, shape, color, or if a lesion itches or bleeds.  

  You can also practice the ABCDE method, which doesn’t necessarily apply to all types of melanomas.

  If you notice something concerning, see your doctor—or contact a specialist at Fox Chase. Our dermatology experts are leaders in their field at diagnosing and treating skin cancer. Call 888-369-2427 or request an appointment online.