Doctors Say Skin Cancer Hides in Places Most People Never Check

Skin cancer can appear in spots that most people do not check during their daily routine. Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, said that sores that fail to heal and moles that bleed easily are warning signs that are frequently overlooked. These issues can hide in areas away from direct sun exposure.

Rogers explained that doctors evaluate moles using specific criteria. They look for asymmetry and irregular borders. They also monitor changes in color and diameter. A key indicator is evolution, which means the spot is changing in appearance over time. Patients should track these shifts even in moles they have had for years.

Gerontologist Sam Cradduck added that small changes carry weight. She stated that a millimeter of growth can matter a lot. She advised individuals to record whether a mole has grown, lost its symmetry, or started to bleed. Keeping a record helps identify when a spot is evolving.

While public health messages often focus on sun-exposed areas like the face and arms, Rogers said cancer can develop elsewhere. She listed behind the ears, between the toes, and underneath the nails as common hiding places. She noted that these spots do not always look scary, which makes them more dangerous.

Aging expert Amy O'Rourke shared her own experience with the condition. She visited a dermatologist about a brown spot on her cheek. During a full-body scan, doctors found squamous cell cancer on the top of her head. She underwent surgery to remove it. O'Rourke said that around three-quarters of her family has had skin cancer.

Katherie Ambrose, an aging well coach, said she recently found a dermatologist and had a full-body scan. Her husband also received one. Rogers suggested that people check their insurance policies. Some plans cover an annual dermatology exam, similar to a well woman exam.

Rogers identified fair skin, age, and family history as risk factors. She said the cause is probably both genetic and environmental. She warned that UVA and UVB light is invisible and can pass through glass. Melanoma is usually linked to intense, intermittent sunburns that cause deep damage. She said it spreads very quickly.

Squamous cell and basal cell cancers present differently than melanoma. Rogers said these types are more likely to appear as pinkish, itchy sores that do not heal. She addressed the myth that African Americans do not need sunscreen. She said they do need it because sunscreen protects cells and DNA from damage.

In addition to sunscreen, sun-protective clothing is available for daily use. Items include rash guards, sun guards, UV clothing, and wide-brimmed hats. Rogers and her colleagues encourage patients to request a full-body exam and ask about mole mapping during their annual visits.

The medical team emphasized that a doctor's exam or help from another person can cover areas a person cannot see, such as the scalp. Patients are urged to pay attention to changes in their skin, regardless of where the spot is located.