Skin cancer, an abnormal growth of skin cells, can develop anywhere on the body, including the scalp. The scalp is a common, yet often overlooked, area for skin cancer due to its significant exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Recognizing signs is important for early detection and effective treatment.
Why Scalp Skin Cancer is Unique
Detecting skin cancer on the scalp presents unique challenges compared to other body areas. Hair can obscure lesions, making visual identification difficult during self-examinations. This can lead to growths developing unnoticed until they are larger or more advanced.
Many individuals mistakenly believe hair provides complete sun protection, reducing vigilance for signs of sun damage on the scalp. The scalp’s anatomy, with its rich network of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, may also contribute to more aggressive growth or spread of certain skin cancers.
Identifying Basal Cell Carcinoma on the Scalp
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, often appearing on sun-exposed areas like the scalp. On the scalp, BCC may appear as a shiny or pearly bump that is pink, red, or even translucent.
Some BCCs might look like a flat, flesh-colored, or brown lesion. These lesions can sometimes have visible irregular blood vessels on their surface. BCCs may also present as a sore that bleeds easily, crusts, or scabs, and then appears to heal only to return.
Identifying Squamous Cell Carcinoma on the Scalp
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is another common skin cancer affecting the scalp, originating in the squamous cells of the outer skin layer. On the scalp, SCC often appears as a firm, red nodule or a scaly patch. These scaly patches can be rough and may crust or bleed.
SCCs may also resemble open sores that do not heal or heal and then reappear. Some SCCs can present as wart-like growths. While typically growing slowly, SCCs have a greater potential for aggressive growth and spread compared to BCCs.
Identifying Melanoma on the Scalp
Melanoma, though less common than BCC or SCC, is a more serious type of skin cancer that can develop on the scalp. Scalp melanomas are often more aggressive and may be diagnosed at later stages due to their hidden location under hair.
When identifying melanoma, the “ABCDE” rule is a helpful guide:
A. Asymmetry: One half of the lesion does not match the other.
B. Border irregularity: Edges are uneven, notched, or blurred.
C. Color variation: Multiple shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue within the same lesion.
D. Diameter: Lesions larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) are more concerning.
E. Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or elevation of a mole, or new symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Regular self-examination of the scalp is important, ideally with assistance from a trusted individual or mirrors to visualize all areas. Consult a doctor or dermatologist if you notice any new or changing spots, moles, or growths on your scalp. Any sore that does not heal within a few weeks, or one that bleeds, oozes, or crusts persistently, warrants prompt medical evaluation.
Any lesion that rapidly changes in size, shape, or color, or causes symptoms like itching or pain, should also be examined by a healthcare professional. Early detection of scalp skin cancer is associated with more successful treatment outcomes.