Crab-illustration (unsplash photo)
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 90% of skin cancer patients got it from sun damage. Doctors say that areas of the body most exposed to the sun are also the places most likely to develop cancer.
Did you know that skin is not the only place where you can get skin cancer? Some non-cutaneous sites are areas that may be damaged by the sun, while others are where the sun never shines. So where can you develop skin cancer that is not skin? Here is a list of other body parts where the disease can appear. It is important that you include them in your monthly skin self-exams.
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Your eyes: The iris is the colored part of the eye around the pupil. We may not think about it often, but our eyes are as exposed as or more than other parts of the body, and can also be damaged by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. You can even get melanoma on the irises, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses and have regular eye exams. Clear glass lenses can be treated to block UV rays, without dark lenses like sunglasses. If you notice strange new patches of color in your irises or a change in their color, see your doctor right away.
Under the nails: With the popularity of gel manicures comes an increase in skin cancer under the nails; UV lights are used to dry gel polish. The quick-drying devices are like mini tanning beds for your nails, says Stephen Stahr, MD, a dermatologist in New Braunfels, Texas, according to an article in The Healthy. You can’t get skin cancer on your nails, but the harmful UV rays can penetrate through the nail to the tissue underneath. He recommends putting sunscreen on your fingertips and toes.
In the gluteal cleft: The skin cancer is found within the patient’s “glutic cleft” (in current vernacular – buttock cleft.) This is usually squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that is rarely life-threatening. In one case, a woman who tanned naked always made sure to tan her cheeks evenly. Her case was quickly cured by surgery. Dr. Stahr says to skip tanning — make sure you check your cracks and crevices.
In the ear canal: A crustiness inside your ear canal that doesn’t go away when you wash the area could be skin cancer. Dr. Bobby Owadela, a board-certified dermatologist, explains to The Healthy: “My rule of thumb is that if you get a new skin lesion and it doesn’t go away after a month, you should get it evaluated. Skin cancers can be red, pearly, scaly, or have a bleeding, crusted ulcer.” Not all look like moles, he adds.
Under the tongue: it is possible to get melanoma on or under the tongue. Although the area does not receive much exposure to UV light, the cancer may have metastasized from another primary site. If you smoke, your chance of getting any type of oral cancer increases dramatically. Quit smoking and get regular dental care.
On your scalp: The scalp is one of the most common places to get skin cancer. Your hair, however, hides it, so it’s often missed or mistaken for something else, like dandruff. “If something is growing, itchy, burning, or bleeding, it should be evaluated by a doctor,” says Dr. Stahr. Ask your hairdresser to let you know if they find anything unusual.
In the anus: It’s rare, but there have been cases of melanoma around the anus, inside the anus, and even inside the digestive tract, says Dr. Avdela. You can’t imagine it, but there may be other signs. If you see blood in your stool, or suffer from pain during bowel movements, see a doctor.
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