Skin cancer on the scalp is challenging to detect early. The scalp is a common area for skin cancer due to sun exposure. Hair can obscure changes, delaying recognition. Understanding indicators is important for timely intervention.
Unique Aspects of Scalp Skin Cancer
Detecting scalp skin cancer is challenging compared to other body areas. Hair hides early signs, making visual inspection difficult. Lesions can be mistaken for common conditions like dandruff or moles, which delays proper medical evaluation.
Anatomical features also make detection difficult. Its curved surface and dense hair follicles hide small changes. Self-examination is more complex than for visible skin. These factors highlight the need for awareness.
Identifying Different Types of Scalp Skin Cancer
Scalp skin cancer has distinct visual characteristics. The three most common types are Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), and Melanoma. Recognizing their appearance is important for early identification.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type, often appearing on sun-exposed areas like the scalp. On the scalp, BCC can appear as a shiny, pearly, or waxy bump, sometimes with visible blood vessels. It may also be a flat, flesh-colored lesion or an itchy reddish patch. A common sign is a sore that doesn’t heal, or repeatedly heals and reopens, sometimes bleeding or crusting. Sometimes, it appears as a flat, white, yellow, or waxy scar-like area with poorly defined borders.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type and can develop on the scalp, especially in sun-exposed areas. SCC often begins as a rough, scaly, red, and crusty patch. These lesions can grow rapidly and become firm, tender, raised bumps. It can also appear as an open sore that doesn’t heal, sometimes bleeding or crusting. Occasionally, it may resemble a wart-like growth or a persistent sore on an old scar.
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and can appear on the scalp, though less common than BCC or SCC. Scalp melanomas often appear as a new spot or a change in an existing mole, flat or slightly raised. They often have irregular borders and uneven coloration, including shades of brown, black, blue, or red. The ABCDE rule helps identify melanoma:
Asymmetry (one half does not match the other)
Border irregularity (uneven edges)
Color variation (multiple colors or uneven coloring)
Diameter (often larger than 6 millimeters or a pencil eraser)
Evolving (changes in size, shape, color, or texture over time)
Rarer forms can also appear as clear or pink lesions, making identification more challenging.
How to Conduct a Scalp Self-Examination
Regular self-examination is practical for early skin cancer detection. Stand in a well-lit room with a large mirror and a handheld mirror. Use a comb or fingers to part hair into small sections. Inspect each section for unusual spots, bumps, or sores.
Use the handheld mirror for hard-to-see areas. Feel your scalp for new lumps, tender areas, or texture changes. A trusted family member or hairdresser can help examine hard-to-see areas. Thoroughness and consistency are important; perform checks regularly to become familiar with your scalp’s normal appearance.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
Seek professional medical evaluation for suspicious scalp changes. Consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider for new growths, changing moles, or spots that look different. Persistent sores that don’t heal within weeks, bleed easily, or are painful also warrant a medical visit.
Any concerns after self-examination, especially if a lesion shows BCC, SCC, or melanoma characteristics, warrant professional assessment. Early professional detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Seek expert advice if any scalp area causes concern.