A bald head is not a direct indicator of cancer. While cancer can sometimes impact hair, most cases of hair loss, such as male or female pattern baldness, are unrelated to a cancer diagnosis.
Common Reasons for Hair Loss
The most frequent cause of hair loss is hereditary androgenetic alopecia, or male or female pattern baldness. It causes gradual, predictable thinning or loss, like a receding hairline and bald spots in men or diffuse thinning in women. Genetics and hormones, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), influence this condition, shortening the hair growth cycle and miniaturizing follicles.
Other common causes include alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition attacking hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. Telogen effluvium is temporary hair loss often occurring after a significant physical or emotional stressor, such as severe illness, surgery, or childbirth. Nutritional deficiencies, like insufficient iron or protein, can also contribute. Hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid problems or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), may also lead to hair loss.
Hair Loss from Cancer Treatments
While baldness is not a symptom of cancer itself, specific cancer treatments are known to cause hair loss. Chemotherapy, for instance, uses powerful medications that target rapidly dividing cancer cells. These drugs also affect other fast-growing cells, including hair roots, causing hair loss across the scalp and sometimes other body hair. The extent of hair loss from chemotherapy depends on the type, dose, and combination of drugs used.
Radiation therapy can also cause hair loss, but this effect is confined to the treated area. For example, head radiation causes scalp hair loss in that region. Hair loss from these treatments is often temporary, with regrowth typically beginning once treatment concludes. However, some chemotherapy drugs, particularly certain taxanes, may lead to long-lasting or, rarely, permanent hair loss, especially at high doses.
Scalp Cancer and Localized Hair Thinning
In rare instances, cancer on the scalp can lead to localized hair loss or thinning. Skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma can develop on the scalp, especially in sun-exposed areas. These lesions can damage hair follicles, causing localized patches of hair loss. This differs from general baldness, as hair loss is confined to the cancerous growth area.
Scalp cancers may manifest as new or changing moles, non-healing sores, scaly patches, or firm bumps that might bleed or itch. Individuals with thinning hair or baldness may have an increased risk of scalp skin cancers due to greater sun exposure. Regular self-examination for unusual changes is important, especially for those with significant sun exposure history.
Recognizing Other Cancer Symptoms
Since a bald head is not a sign of cancer, it is important to be aware of other common symptoms that could indicate the disease. These signs warrant medical attention for evaluation, though they do not automatically confirm a cancer diagnosis.
Unexplained weight loss, especially 10 pounds or more without dieting, can be a symptom. Persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest and impacts daily life is another indicator.
Other symptoms include new lumps or swellings, persistent changes in bowel or bladder habits, and persistent pain that does not subside. Skin changes, such as a non-healing sore or a change in an existing mole’s size, shape, or color, should also be evaluated. Unusual bleeding or bruising without a clear cause also warrants medical consultation. If any of these symptoms are persistent or concerning, seek medical advice.