Dr. Nathaniel Asher, a renowned clinical oncologist and director of the Center for Skin Tumors and Melanoma at the Davidoff Center in Bilinson, sheds light on the importance of being aware of lesser-known places where melanoma can hide in the body. He cautions that many individuals may overlook checking suspicious lesions due to a lack of awareness about these areas.
Dr. Asher highlights that melanoma can present itself in unexpected locations such as nails, warts, facial pigmentation, and birthmarks. For example, a black stripe or darker area on the nail should be treated with suspicion as it may be misdiagnosed as a fungal infection when it is actually cancer. Similarly, warts found on the palm of the hand or foot may be mistakenly treated as common warts but could potentially be cancerous and require further investigation.
Facial pigmentation spots are another area where melanoma can hide, with many individuals seeking cosmetic treatments to conceal these spots without realizing they could signal something more serious. Birthmarks are also areas to monitor closely, as melanoma can develop from existing moles or suddenly appear in previously clear areas of the skin.
Dr. Asher emphasizes the importance of undergoing comprehensive skin lesion examinations before proceeding with any aesthetic treatments. He recommends regular check-ups and monitoring of birthmarks, as any changes should prompt a dermatologist visit for further evaluation. Additionally, he stresses the importance of routine annual screenings after puberty for the general population to catch any potential issues early on. By staying vigilant and informed about the signs and locations where melanoma can hide, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their health.
In conclusion, Dr. Nathaniel Asher emphasizes that awareness is key when it comes to preventing skin cancer such as melanoma from spreading throughout the body undetected. By paying attention to lesser-known areas like nails, warts, facial pigmentation spots and birthmarks and scheduling regular check-ups with dermatologists even if there are no symptoms present; individuals can increase their chances of catching potential issues early on which will ultimately help save lives in the long run.
