Melanoma can easily be overlooked because it looks like freckles and moles. To ensure that you are treated for skin cancer in its earliest stages, you must be aware of what to look out for and perform regular screening for skin cancer. According to Dr. According to Dr. Dermatology Partners, Waco, Texas: “Melanoma is easily missed in the prominent places of the body. But many people are unaware that it can hide in the scalp, toenails, fingernails, or other hard-to-see areas until the condition has advanced to more severe. Skin cancers are more easily diagnosed in the early stages when patients know what to look out for and screen regularly.
What is Scalp Melanoma
Melanoma can be a severe and deadly form of skin cancer. Melanoma is more likely than other skin cancers to spread to other body areas and metastasize. It also causes more deaths from skin cancers combined with basal cell and squamous-cell carcinomas. Melanoma is named after melanocytes – the pigment-producing skin cells – where it originates. Melanoma of all types is more likely to spread into lymph nodes and to other tissues. However, on the scalp, many blood vessels and tissues can be quickly affected by Melanoma.
Dr. Walker states, “The good thing is that scalp melanomas are rare and account for less than 5 percent of all melanoma patients. The bad news is scalp melanoma has a worse prognosis than other melanoma forms. Research indicates that it is due to the late stage of development at which it’s usually diagnosed. People are more likely to recognize this condition once the disease advances. This makes it harder to treat.
What does Scalp Melanoma look and feel like
Dr. Walker says it is challenging to detect scalp melanoma because of hair growth. You should talk to your hair professional and do your checks. “If you have a hairdresser who regularly cuts your locks, they might be able to spot the warning signs for scalp melanoma. So, talk with them at your next appointment.”
To find scalp melanoma, you must first know what to look for and feel for. It’s easy to overlook Melanoma in other areas of the body because it looks similar to common skin conditions. Melanomas can be mistaken for moles, warts, or freckles. They may also look like ulcers or sores. Melanomas may bleed frequently, be painful, or itch.
Keep in mind the ABCDEs to differentiate between benign lesions on the skin and possible scalp melanoma:
Asymmetry Do the sides of a mole look the same or noticeably different?
B- Border – Does the edge of the spot appear jagged or, in any other way, atypical?
C-Color – Does the color of the lesion vary, or is it the same as other spots?
Diameter – Does the mole have a diameter greater than 6 mm?
E- Evolution – Does the mole change in any way? (size, color, shape, or texture)
What are the causes & risk factors for Scalp Melanoma
All forms of Melanoma are caused by sun exposure. The scalp is often exposed to a lot of sunlight, which means that Melanoma or other types of skin cancer are more likely in this area. Sun exposure, regular tanning, radiation treatments, and chemical exposure can cause skin cancer.
In addition to the causes of skin cancer, many factors can increase your risk of developing scalp melanoma.
Take immunosuppressive medication
Light-colored eyes and fair skin are a good combination.
Have freckles or many moles
A family history of cancer can be a warning sign.
Sunburns or excessive sun exposure
Higher altitudes allow for better living
What are the Treatments for Scalp Melanoma Available
Dr. Walker says, “Each person’s scalp melanoma treatment plan will differ.” Treatment plans will be based on the cancer stage and its spread. During the consultation, we will examine the patient visually, run any necessary tests and discuss their symptoms. We will work with the patient once we have the information required to create an effective treatment plan. We may partner with an oncologist to provide the best treatment possible.
Surgical Excision – Use of a scalpel to remove cancerous cells and some surrounding tissue. Then, additional biopsies and studies may be performed to confirm that the cancer has not spread. Finally, restorative procedures such as skin flaps or transplants are used.
Radiation or chemotherapy – Oncologists or cancer specialists usually perform these procedures in conjunction with each other to eliminate cancer cells that remain, particularly when cancer has spread over a large part of the skin or if it has metastasized to other parts of your body.
Can I prevent Scalp Melanoma
Dr. Walker says it’s better to prevent problems than wait until they occur before seeking treatment. Sun protection is essential because the sun is a leading cause of Melanoma. However, it is more difficult to protect the scalp than other body areas. A hat, bandana, or other head coverings can be helpful. You should use sunscreen if you have a large area of exposed scalp or balding. The easiest solution is to limit your time in the sun. Check your scalp, whole body, and scalp for any signs of Melanoma. You can use mirrors or flashlights to better look at areas that are hard to see. Visit your dermatologist regularly for a professional examination.”
Can other forms of cancer appear on the scalp
Other forms of cancerous skin can develop on the head, such as Melanoma and the two most common types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. It is sporadic for it to spread beyond the affected area. The appearance of basal cell carcinoma tumors can vary from white or silvery bumps with a waxy surface to visible blood vessels. These lesions can be brown or black, with a flesh tone. Squamous Cell Carcinoma can also be found on the scalp. It tends to develop slowly but is more likely than basal-cell carcinoma to spread. It can look like a giant red bump, a thick growth of skin that bleeds easily, or a sore that doesn’t heal.
