The Quiet Way Skin Cancer Shows Up — And Why We Miss It

What Skin Cancer Can Look Like

We expect skin cancer to be dramatic. But often, it’s the opposite. It hides in plain sight, showing up as:

• A dry patch that never goes away
• A bump that bleeds in the shower
• A “pimple” that lingers for months
• A flaky spot you’ve started to ignore

These are the kinds of changes we tend to dismiss—but they’re exactly the ones we should be paying attention to.

Surprising Places to Check

Skin cancer doesn’t always stick to the sunniest parts of our body. It can show up anywhere, including places you might not think to check:

• The bottoms of your feet
• Palms of your hands
• Between your toes
• Under your fingernails or toenails
• Inside your mouth
• Your eyes
• Your scalp

Anywhere pigment-producing cells live, melanoma can show up. And yes, that includes areas with little to no sun exposure.

Know the ABCDE's of Melanoma

Melanoma is one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer—but catching it early can make all the difference. Use this simple guide:

A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.
B – Border: Edges are irregular, jagged, or blurred.
C – Color: Multiple shades (brown, black, red, even blue) are a red flag.
D – Diameter: Bigger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, color, or feel? Time for a check.

So if something looks new, different, or just doesn’t feel right—no matter where it is—don’t wait. The best-case scenario is peace of mind. The worst-case? Catching something early enough to change everything. Your skin tells a story every day. And sometimes, the quietest signs are the ones that matter most. Trust your gut. Make the appointment. You’ll never regret knowing—only not knowing soon enough.