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A sneaky disease -

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.

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Ultraviolet exposure -

The majority of melanomas can be seen by the naked eye, and are in places that receive exposure to UV rays and sunlight.

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Ultraviolet exposure -

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.

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Obvious places -

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.

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The sun isn't always necessary -

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.

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Inner ear -

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.

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Inner ear -

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.

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Under the nails -

Cancer that forms underneath the nail is referred to as subungual melanoma. This can occur under fingernails or toenails.

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Under the nails -

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.

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Genitals -

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.

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Genitals -

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.

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Eyes and eyelid -

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.

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Eyes and eyelid -

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.

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Tongue -

The tongue is another area where skin cancer can form. Being a smoker, drinking a lot, or doing both of these things at the same time can increase your risk.

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Tongue -

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.

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Soles of feet -

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.

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Hands -

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.

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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.

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Scalp -

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.

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Lips -

More men than women are diagnosed with skin cancer on the lip, which is thought to be connected to smoking and alcohol consumption.

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Lips -

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.

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Lips -

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.

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Underneath tattoos -

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.

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Know your risk -

If you have a family history of skin cancer, always take extra precautions. Having light hair, skin, and eyes increases your risk.

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Know 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.

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Check your skin regularly -

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.

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Check your skin regularly -

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)

See also: Sunscreen mistakes to avoid this summer

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