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However, if left untreated, squamous or basal cell skin cancer on the outer ear can spread inside to the inner ear canal, and the tiny bones inside it. The hidden nature of the inner ear shape means this can lie undetected for a long time.
Vertical brown-black streaks under the nails are a warning sign. The big toe and thumb are the most common nails, but this cancer is relatively rare overall. However for Black, Asian, and Hispanic patients, it's the most common malignant melanoma.
Skin cancer that first develops on the outer ear might appear as a scaly area of skin with a slowly growing white lump, that could be painless.
Cancer that forms underneath the nail is referred to as subungual melanoma. This can occur under fingernails or toenails.
Apart from damage to DNA skin cells by the sun, it's believed certain genetics and having a weakened immune system can contribute to contracting melanomas. Here are some of the places you might not think to check.
The majority of melanomas can be seen by the naked eye, and are in places that receive exposure to UV rays and sunlight.
But because people are conscious of taking precautions with these areas, some of the worst cases of melanoma occur in areas that haven't necessarily been exposed.
We know to look out for the obvious places and to keep an eye on any changes to moles, for instance. However, skin cancer can be contracted on parts of the body that receive very little, or no, light of day.
The first step to protecting yourself from the risk posed by skin cancer is to do a self-exam. But there are some areas of the body you might not think to check.
Cancer that begins on the eyelid, usually a small, firm lump, tends to grow and spread quickly. It's considered one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer.
Conjunctival melanoma can appear as a red or dark spot on the white of the eye. A dark spot in the iris, around the pupil, can also indicate uveal or intraocular melanoma.
Melanoma is much more common in areas that don't get a lot of sunlight in those with darker skin. Developing skin cancer on the palms of the hands is often more serious than other melanomas, as it typically goes unnoticed for longer.
The soles of the feet are another place to keep an eye on, as skin cancer can develop here, too. Check the top, sides, and soles of the foot, as well as between the toes, for any changes.
If you find a sore on your head, consult your healthcare provider. A smooth, waxy lump that bleeds or crusts could be a sign of basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma on the scalp.
More common in those with bald spots or thinning hair, skin cancer on the scalp can also lurk behind thick hair. Only 13% of skin cancers are found here, but it's worth knowing the risk.
When cancer occurs on the lips, it's typically nonmelanoma cancers, i.e. basal or squamous cell types. Being infected with HPV is also a risk factor.
The upper lip tends to get less exposure to the sun, which is perhaps why the lower lip is 12 times more likely to develop skin cancer.
More men than women are diagnosed with skin cancer on the lip, which is thought to be connected to smoking and alcohol consumption.
A lump or sore, tingling, a loss of feeling, or hard and flat white patches that can't be scraped away could be signs of cancer here.
If you have a family history of skin cancer, always take extra precautions. Having light hair, skin, and eyes increases your risk.
Having a lot of freckles or moles that are strange shapes, spending a lot of time outside, and taking certain medications that make you more light sensitive or weaken the immune system can also raise your risk.
The earlier you discover a problem, the better your outcome will be if you have skin cancer. Check yourself regularly (every three months), using a full length mirror, and enlist the people closest to you to keep an eye out, too.
Colorful tattoos can camouflage moles and birthmarks, making it difficult to notice changes to the skin. Extra attention should be paid to these areas, as the ink can cover the earliest warning signs.
For men, skin cancer can present as suspicious lesions that form on the skin that lines the penis, making it important to check these areas, too.
You might not think that sensitive areas can develop skin cancer, but unfortunately this isn't the case. Women can find lesions on the skin that lines the vulva, as well as inside the cervix or vagina.
If you or someone close to you notices anything unusual, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.
Sources: (National Geographic) (WebMD) (Molemap) (National Cancer Institute)
Most of us know we have to keep a close eye on moles for any changes, and protect ourselves from the sun, bearing the possibility of skin cancer in mind. What many of us might not realize, however, is that this type of cancer can actually affect parts of the body that aren't exposed to UV light. Melanoma and cancerous moles can actually occur anywhere in the body. Finding these 'hidden' melanomas is all the more urgent, as they can go undetected for longer, increasing your overall health risk.
Click on to discover the unexpected areas of the body where you can get skin cancer.
Unexpected places you can get skin cancer
These parts of the body aren't obvious
HEALTH Disease
Most of us know we have to keep a close eye on moles for any changes, and protect ourselves from the sun, bearing the possibility of skin cancer in mind. What many of us might not realize, however, is that this type of cancer can actually affect parts of the body that aren't exposed to UV light. Melanoma and cancerous moles can actually occur anywhere in the body. Finding these 'hidden' melanomas is all the more urgent, as they can go undetected for longer, increasing your overall health risk.
Click on to discover the unexpected areas of the body where you can get skin cancer.