Unexpected Signs Your Skin May Be At Risk for Cancer

If you have a history of skin cancer in your family, you should be on the lookout for changes anywhere on your skin. This doesn’t just include moles, but unexpected signs that you may be at risk.

Everyone knows to watch out for new moles appearing on their skin as a potential early warning sign of skin cancer. However, there are plenty of less well-known signs that your risk for skin cancer has increased. Being vigilant can help with early detection and treatment.

At Leading Edge Dermatology, with locations in Plantation and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, double-board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elyse Julian and our team offer adult dermatology and skin cancer screening services. If you suspect you may be at risk for skin cancer, give us a call for a consultation.

Unexpected signs of skin cancer risks

Mapping moles has long been the gold standard for tracking skin cancer risk. Knowing where moles are located on your body and monitoring them for new moles or changes in existing ones is a good place to start. However, there are other signs that skin cancer could be lurking in your skin cells.

Scalp spots

As you grow older, your hair can thin, exposing more of your scalp to sun damage. Spots appearing on your scalp can be an early warning sign of skin cancer. Your hairstylist or barber may alert you to spots or moles that appear on your scalp.

Small wounds that won’t heal

Some types of cancer make the skin very fragile, leading to spots that tend to open and weep or bleed over and over again in the same location. Common places include the upper arms, and anywhere that clothing rubs (waistline, bra-line, etc.)

Scaly or uneven patches on the skin

Skin that feels rough, scaly, crusty, or even thickened or waxy can be a sign that skin cells have been affected and are now abnormal. Seek a dermatologist’s advice for treatment and screening.

Itchiness around a raised area of skin

If you have a small bump or raised area of skin, even if it’s not discolored, and it constantly feels itchy, you should have it checked out. It could be the start of a cluster of cancer cells.

Discoloration under your fingernails or toenails

Melanomas can show up even under your nails, so look for darkened skin or stripes/patches of darkness under your nails. If you find any, see your dermatologist right away.

What to do next

If you find potential signs that you’re at increased risk for skin cancer, don’t delay. Early diagnosis and treatment can keep cancer from spreading. At Leading Edge Dermatology, we can examine suspicious areas of skin and run tests to confirm if you have cancerous cells.

Depending on the type of cancer cells, we can do a biopsy to check for malignancy or remove the cancerous spot completely. In many cases, we use a procedure called Mohs micrographic surgery to get all of the skin cancer cells with minimal scarring.

To learn more about skin cancer screening and treatment, schedule a consultation with the team at Leading Edge Dermatology. Visit our contact page to learn more about locations near you, or request an appointment online.