Melanoma represents a serious form of skin cancer, originating from melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. While less common than other skin cancers, melanoma is more dangerous due to its potential to spread rapidly if not detected and treated early. This article explores the connection between melanoma and hair loss, discussing how the cancer itself can lead to hair changes, as well as the effects of various medical treatments on hair growth.
Melanoma’s Direct Impact on Hair
Melanoma can directly affect hair growth, particularly when it develops on the scalp. A melanoma lesion located on the scalp can physically damage the hair follicles in the immediate vicinity. This damage disrupts the normal hair growth cycle, leading to localized hair loss, often appearing as patchy bald spots confined to the area of the tumor. The scalp is a common site for melanoma, especially in men with thinning hair or baldness. The severity and extent of this hair loss depend on the size and specific location of the cancerous growth, as tumor cells invade and destroy normal follicular structures.
Beyond direct physical damage, advanced melanoma can, in very rare instances, trigger broader effects throughout the body that impact hair. These are known as paraneoplastic syndromes, where the body’s immune system, in its attempt to fight the cancer, mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. This immune response can inadvertently target hair follicles, resulting in more widespread hair loss, similar to conditions like alopecia areata. This occurs when the immune system develops cross-reactivity against shared antigens found on both melanoma cells and hair follicle melanocytes.
Hair Loss from Melanoma Treatments
Hair loss is a more frequently observed side effect of melanoma treatments. Different therapeutic approaches impact hair in distinct ways, reflecting their mechanisms of action.
Traditional chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicle cells. This can lead to temporary hair loss, often starting within two to four weeks of treatment and affecting hair across the entire body. While distressing, hair typically regrows weeks to months after treatment concludes, though its texture or color may temporarily differ.
Targeted therapies focus on specific molecules involved in cancer growth. Some targeted agents, particularly BRAF and MEK inhibitors, can influence hair growth. These treatments may cause hair thinning, texture changes, or color alterations by affecting the hair growth cycle. Hair loss can be more gradual, occurring within three to fifteen weeks.
Immunotherapy stimulates the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells. While effective, this can sometimes lead to immune-related adverse events, including hair changes or loss. Some patients may experience patchy hair loss resembling alopecia areata, as activated immune cells might inadvertently target healthy hair follicles.
Radiation therapy, when directed at the head or scalp, can also induce hair loss. Unlike systemic treatments, radiation’s effects are localized. Hair loss typically begins one to three weeks into treatment. Depending on the radiation dose, hair loss can be temporary, with regrowth occurring weeks after treatment ends, or permanent if follicles are significantly damaged.
Recognizing Concerning Hair Loss
It is important to recognize when to seek medical advice regarding hair loss, especially if it is accompanied by new or changing skin features. Pay close attention to any new spots on the scalp, or existing moles that change in size, shape, color, or texture. A mole that becomes asymmetrical, has irregular borders, varied color, or a diameter larger than 6 millimeters warrants professional evaluation. The “E” for “Evolving” in the ABCDE rule is particularly significant, meaning any change over time is a key warning sign.
Unexplained, sudden, or significantly noticeable hair loss, especially with skin lesions or unusual scalp changes, should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider. Regular self-examinations of the skin, including the scalp, are valuable for early detection. Using mirrors or asking a trusted person to check hard-to-see areas can help. Consulting a dermatologist for suspicious findings allows for timely diagnosis and appropriate management.