Nails can offer subtle clues (Image: Olga Pankova via Getty Images)
A cancer expert is encouraging individuals to examine seven commonly overlooked parts of their body for concerning moles and skin alterations as the summer season comes to an end. While many inspect their arms, face and chest following sun exposure, they frequently neglect regions hidden by hair, garments or undergarments.
Melanoma can develop on any part of the skin, including locations that don’t receive significant direct sunlight. Therefore, a fresh marking or an alteration to an existing mole shouldn’t be disregarded merely because it’s situated in a typically covered spot.
Dr Jiri Kubes, radiation oncologist and medical director of the Proton Therapy Center in Prague, said: “The end of summer provides a useful reminder to become familiar with your skin, but this should not be a one-off check. Skin damage accumulates over time, and a suspicious change may emerge long after the sun exposure that contributed to it.”
Beneath the hair and around the hairline
Moles located on the scalp can go undetected under dense hair and might prove challenging to inspect without assistance.
Dr Kubes said: “Use a hairdryer or comb to separate the hair in sections, then ask somebody you trust to check the areas you cannot see. A phone camera can also help you monitor a mark over time.”
Dr Jiri Kubes (Image: Proton Center)
Behind and around the ears
Individuals frequently apply sun protection to their faces while missing the upper portions and rear of their ears. Examine the creases surrounding both ears and the skin directly behind them utilising two mirrors or a photograph.
Across the back and shoulders
The back represents one of the most challenging areas to inspect thoroughly, especially the region between the shoulder blades.
Dr Kubes said: “Do not rely on touch alone. A partner, mirror or clear photograph can reveal colour and border changes that may not feel different beneath your fingers.”
Under the breasts and within skin folds
Skin underneath the breasts, surrounding the abdomen and in other creases can readily be overlooked during regular examinations. While numerous marks in these locations are benign, anything fresh, evolving, bleeding or refusing to heal warrants medical evaluation.
Around the buttocks and groin
These intimate regions receive minimal direct sunlight, yet that doesn’t mean they ought to be omitted from skin examinations.
Dr Kubes explained: “Melanoma is commonly associated with sunlight, but it can develop on skin that is usually covered. Check discreetly with a mirror and speak to a doctor rather than feeling embarrassed about a concerning change.”
Rear of the legs and behind the knees
Individuals frequently examine their shins and thighs while neglecting the rear of their legs, the folds behind the knees and ankles. Positioning yourself with your back towards a full-length mirror while using a handheld mirror can render these zones more visible.
Soles, toes and under the nails
Examine the soles of both feet, between each toe and surrounding the nails. A dark line under a nail shouldn’t automatically be attributed to bruising, particularly if no injury occurred or if it fails to grow out with the nail.
Dr Kubes said: “Melanoma affecting the palms, soles or nails is uncommon, but these locations are especially easy to miss. People of every skin tone need to include them.”
Warning signs to look out for include asymmetry, an irregular border, uneven colouring or a mole that is changing in size, shape or appearance. Itching, bleeding, crusting or a mark that appears noticeably different from a person’s other moles should also be taken seriously.
Dr Kubes added: “Most moles are harmless and finding an unusual mark does not mean somebody has cancer. However, photographs cannot diagnose a skin lesion and self-checking is not a substitute for medical assessment. If you notice a new or changing mole, or a sore that is not healing, arrange an appointment with your GP promptly.”
