6 Early Signs of Melanoma You Need to Check for Today

Melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, is often more deceptive than we realize. While most people watch for dramatic changes in moles, this aggressive cancer can start with surprisingly subtle signs — and that’s what makes it so dangerous. Early detection can be life-saving: when caught early, the five-year survival rate is around 99%, but that number drops sharply once melanoma begins to spread.

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Hair Loss

Scalp melanoma may cause localized hair loss in the affected area by damaging hair follicles as the tumor grows. Some forms of melanoma-related inflammation can lead to scarring alopecia, where permanent damage to the skin results in bald patches.

Loss of eyebrow or eyelash hair

You might not think twice about a little patch of missing eyebrow or eyelash hair—but it could be a red flag. According to researchers, some melanomas can actually start deep inside your hair follicles. As the cancer grows, it can damage the follicle from the inside out, leading to unexpected hair loss right where the tumor is forming. It’s one of those sneaky signs that’s easy to miss—but could mean a lot more than a bad brow day.

Lesions on the soles of the feet or palms

Due to the false belief that melanoma only develops on sun-exposed skin, these spots are often found much later—sometimes only after they’ve grown deeper or spread to other parts of the body. Also, these lesions may be mistaken for calluses or warts. Persistent, unusual spots in these areas should be examined by a healthcare professional.​

Changes in skin texture

Researchers warn that melanoma most often develops as new spots and not from existing moles. That’s why it’s important to check your skin for any new scaly patches, open sores, or raised bumps. These changes might be subtle, but they are significant when assessing skin health.​

Dark streaks under the nails

A dark streak, spot, or irregular pigmentation under the nail can indicate subungual melanoma, a rare but serious type of skin cancer. This condition is often mistaken for a bruise and is not linked to sun exposure. It doesn’t cause pain, so it’s easy to overlook it.

Slow healing injuries

One of the often-overlooked warning signs of melanoma is a wound or sore that doesn’t heal:

• It may look like a small ulcer, a scab, or a crusted bump that keeps coming back or simply refuses to close.
• These wounds can appear without any clear cause and may be mistaken for minor injuries or skin irritation.
• Persistent lesions that bleed, itch, or change over time should always be examined.

You can suspect serious health problems at the earliest stages by monitoring the color of your urine.