Hidden Signs of Skin Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in the USA, with an eye-watering 9,500 people being confirmed every day. 

These are pretty scary statistics. But, with early detection, skin cancer is one of the most treatable conditions. In addition to a recommended annual mole check, everyone should be aware of the symptoms that would warrant further investigation. This includes the lesser-known—or hidden signs of skin cancer—that could be cause for concern.

Early Skin Cancer Detection: hidden signs and skin cancer awareness

It’s always worth going over the ABCDE of skin cancer that everyone should be aware of. However, while it’s important to know what this acronym stands for, there are also even earlier—and very subtle—signs that shouldn’t be ignored or overlooked.

Recapping the ABCDE of skin cancer 

• A is for Asymmetry: Healthy moles are usually fairly uniform in appearance. One that differs from one side to the other should be looked at by a healthcare professional.
• B is for Border: Following the uniform theme, moles should have a regular, well-defined border.
• C is for Color: Most moles are a single color. A danger sign can be changes in shade or a mole that has multiple colors, such as red, brown, black, etc.
• D is for Diameter: Larger or growing moles (more than a pencil width in diameter) can be a red flag, so should be checked out.
• E is for Evolving: This includes one of more all the above—a mole that’s changing in shape, size, color, or appearance.

The hidden signs of skin cancer

Very importantly, there are also some other, less obvious, early potential signs of skin cancer. While noticing any of the following certainly isn’t definitive proof of a skin cancer, the key takeaway is that any skin abnormality that doesn’t disappear after 3-4 weeks should be evaluated.

Early, or hidden, signs include:

• A scaly patch of skin: This could be noticeable to look at or simply to the touch. It may feel rough but could also be slightly different color. However, discoloration can easily be missed, particularly in those with darker skin tones. 
• A dry or irritated area: It can be easy to dismiss such an area as dry skin—or perhaps it feels a little sensitive to touch. However, if it persists then it could be a sign that the deeper tissues are disrupted, and the immune system is reacting at a cellular level.
• A sore that won’t heal: This could be a tiny area or a larger patch, but any area of skin that scabs but fails to heal afterward warrants further investigation.
• A lump: Any anomaly beneath the skin that appears and either doesn’t go away or becomes larger over time should alert you to a potential issue.
• A skin indentation: Some skin cancers resemble a dipped area (sometimes described as a shallow volcano due to reddening in the center).

There are also places on the body where skin cancers can hide or be overlooked. These include:

• Beneath the nails (fingers and toes).
• Around the hairline or under the hair on the scalp.
• Around the ears.
• In the eye (dark spots that can be noticed on the colored part—the iris).
• On the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet.

The key to early skin cancer detection is regular self-checks and knowing what’s normal for your body. The simplest way is to scan yourself each time you take a shower or bath, with a more in-depth look once a month. Get a partner, friend, or family member to look at your back, if possible. If not, use your phone to take a photo over your shoulder when standing by a mirror.

Skin cancer awareness is something that everyone, no matter what their age, should be educated in. Parents and caregivers can get children involved in checking their moles in an age-appropriate (and non-scaremongering manner). Investing in an annual skin and mole check with a dermatologist is also highly recommended. Such healthcare should be considered as important as regular dentist, ophthalmologist, and other screening visits when it comes to long-term well-being.

Early diagnosis comes with extremely favorable treatment statistics, with options such as MOHS surgery for non-melanoma skin cancers and cutting-edge drug and cellular therapy for melanomas.

Bayou City Dermatology offers leading skin cancer checks and care, with specialist dermatologists providing the latest options for treating all types of the condition.

Discover more at 

https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/clinical/skin-cancer and call today to book a consultation.