Skin cancer does not choose a location and can develop unnoticed even on the scalp, which is otherwise hidden under the hair. Therefore, it may happen that the first person to notice dangerous changes is the hairdresser during the haircut. Experts warn that growths on the scalp can be diagnosed much later by doctors than tumors on other, more visible parts of the body.
- Skin cancer can also form on the scalp.
- The disease often presents as a non-healing wound or a bleeding nodule.
- Dr. Norin Mohsin warns that all the tips of skin cancer can appear on the scalp.
- If you notice any unusual changes, you should seek help.
Thick hair does not give the head 100% protection against skin cancer. Ultraviolet radiation can easily penetrate the skin, especially along the path, on the crown or in areas where the hair is thinner. Basically, the disease can appear anywhere where the sun’s rays fall. This makes the scalp a very dangerous hidden zone where changes can go unnoticed for a long time.
Skin cancer can also hide in the hair. (illustrative photo)
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iStock
Skin cancer is one of the most common oncological diseases worldwide, which only underlines the importance of consistent prevention. According to dermatologist Norin Mohsin, the disease can arise as a result of several factors, while on the scalp, it usually appears as a non-healing wound, a scaly or thickened lesion, a bleeding nodule or a mark that changes shape, color and size.
The risk of developing skin cancer on the head depends on the following factors:
- lifelong exposure to UV radiation,
- the state of the immune system,
- genetic predispositions.
“We usually see this disease in people who spend a lot of time outside in direct sunlight and do it for years without any head covering,” added Dr. Mohsin, who points out the dangers of sunlight.
Skin cancer is one of the most common oncological diseases. (illustrative photo)
Source:
iStock
The scalp, like other parts of our body, can be affected by three main types of skin cancer. The first of these is basal cell carcinoma, with approximately 13% of these tumors occurring on the head. Experts warn that it tends to be very inconspicuous and grows slowly, making it difficult to detect in time. It can manifest itself as:
- a slightly raised bump that gradually grows,
- clear, pink or reddish lesion,
- a dry growth that falls off easily but never heals.
Squamous cell carcinoma
The second most common type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which, unlike basal cell carcinoma, is usually much more prominent. “It can be raised, painful, and prone to bleeding,” Dr. Mohsin noted. It is most often manifested as:
- raised, rough or thickened bearing,
- lesion prone to bleeding,
- open wound
- painful or tender lump.
The last and most dangerous type of skin cancer is melanoma, which can appear anywhere on the body, including the mucous membranes, nails or even the eyes. Almost 20% of melanoma cases occur precisely on the scalp, where, paradoxically, it has the highest mortality due to late diagnosis.
Melanoma often has no symptoms in its early stages. The only warning signs may be new or otherwise unusual marks or minor changes in the skin. The appearance of this type of cancer is very diverse, which makes it even more difficult to recognize. It can manifest itself as:
- slightly raised birthmark,
- dark or unevenly colored lesion,
- a sign with asymmetrical or ill-defined edges,
- a lesion that does not heal, itches and is tender.
Any new or unusual change on the scalp deserves your full attention, especially if it’s a lump or spot that’s painful, bleeds, or changes over time. In such cases, it is important to see a dermatologist immediately. “If you notice any of these symptoms, do not delay and make an appointment for an examination. Don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun and regularly monitor any new changes in your skin,” concluded Dr. Mohsin.
This article comes from the Ringier publishing partner website. The content and data contained in it were taken without editorial intervention.
