Don't Get STUNG By Skin Cancer: 5 Hidden Spots to Check for Melanomas

Health & Medical Blog

Did you know that Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world? This malignant and aggressive form of skin cancer affects thousands of Australians every year, representing 75% of all skin cancer deaths. Thankfully, if found early, melanoma is very easy to completely cure. That's why it's so important that you visit a skin cancer clinic for regular check-ups and keep an eye on your skin between appointments.

However, while most people know that looking out for skin cancer signs is important, many don't know where to look. Since exposure to UV light is one of the biggest risk factors for melanoma, you may be surprised to learn that it doesn't just show up on parts of your body that get the most sun rays. To thoroughly protect yourself from skin cancer, you need to check the more hidden parts of your body for melanomas too.

Here are 5 places you should inspect regularly.

S is for Scalp

One of the most important places to check for melanomas is your scalp and neck because these melanomas have a much higher mortality risk than those elsewhere on the body. In fact, people with scalp and neck melanomas are almost twice as likely to die than people with melanomas on their face, ears, or any other body part. And, while balding and thinning hair may put you at greater risk, even people with thick heads of hair can get scalp melanoma. Remember to use a comb and a mirror to part and check your hair for unusual spots or pigmentation regularly.

T is for Tattoos

As you may already know, there are 5 key points you should look for when inspecting a mole: asymmetry, irregular shape, uneven colour, large size, and change over time. One or more of these features can indicate that your mole could be a melanoma. However, if you have a mole under your tattoo, it can be very difficult to spot any of these irregularities. Since it's very difficult to inspect moles under tattoos yourself, you should visit your skin cancer clinic for more regular check-ups if you got tattooed on or near an existing mole.

U is for Underarms

In the vast majority of cases, when skin cancer spreads, it spreads to nearby lymph nodes first. You have lymph nodes all over your body, but one hidden lymph gland location that many people forget to check is their armpits. To check each armpit, lift your arm slightly, place the fingers of your opposite hand high into your armpit, then lower the arm again. Next, feel around in the centre of your armpit, moving around to each edge. When lymph nodes are healthy and not inflamed, you shouldn't be able to feel them. So, if you do feel lumps in your armpits when checking, it's a good idea to make an appointment at your cancer clinic at your earliest convenience.

N is for Nails

Another hidden place you may not think to check for melanoma is under your nails. Melanomas under the nails tend to look like dark (brown or black) streaks which grow in size gradually. They may also cause brittleness, cracking or lifting in your nails, as well as darkened skin around the nail. To spot nail melanoma, make sure you always remove any nail polish from your fingers and toes before doing regular checks (and before skin clinic appointments). In addition, you may want to check your nails more regularly if you get gel manicures, as the UV lamps used to cure the gel may increase melanoma risk.

G is for Groin

Last but not least, don't forget to check your groin and buttocks area for signs of melanoma too. As with your underarms, your groin contains lymph glands that skin cancer can spread to. Make sure to feel around well for any irregularities, and use a hand mirror to look for signs of unusual pigmentation. It's also a good idea to let the doctor at your skin cancer clinic inspect this area during check-ups. It may seem uncomfortable, but it could be the difference between spotting melanoma early or leaving it too late to cure.

28 September 2018