7 hidden signs of skin cancer
While most of us know to keep an eye out for changes in our skin that could indicate the presence of skin cancer, there are some invisible signs it’s handy to be aware in case you miss out on the others.
It’s important to note that these signs aren’t nearly as common as the visible signs of skin cancer, so speak with your doctor before you become too panicked.
1. Lumps beneath your skin
Lumps beneath your skin, especially ones around your groin, armpits, or neck, could indicate that your body’s immune system efficiently dealt with the physical sign of skin cancer (a mole or similar), but that the cancer has metastasised and moved to your lymph nodes.
2. Joint pain
Pain in the joints could be a sign that cancer has spread to your bones. If you’re experiencing an ache in your joints that you can’t explain, see your doctor.
3. Breathing trouble
Metastasised cancer can spread to the lungs, causing trouble with your breathing. If you notice a persistent cough, or a constant shortness of breath, you’ll want to get it checked out – it might be something less serious like asthma or bronchitis.
4. Abdominal pain
Similar to the lumps indicating that skin cancer may have spread to your lymph nodes, pain in your abdominal region could indicate that the cancer has spread to your liver. Remember that abdominal pain is a common sign for many different illnesses – not all of them life threatening – so remain calm and make an appointment with your GP.
5. Blurry vision
Melanoma cancers begin in the pigment-producing cells called melanocytes – these are mostly found in the skin, but also in a couple of other places like your eyes. Melanoma is most common in the skin, but can, in rare cases, show up in the eyes. Blurry or impaired vision could be an early sign of this, so it’s important to get it checked out as soon as you notice it.
6. Headaches
Your brain, like your eyes, also contains melanocytes, so it is possible for melanoma to crop up there. If you’re experiencing recurring headaches, or suffer from seizures, or unexplained cognitive difficulty, it could be a hidden sign that melanoma is lurking in your brain.
7. Abdominal cramps
Much like the eyes, your gut is home to melanocytes, so it too can host melanoma.
When did you see a doctor for a problem that turned out to be something unexpected and serious?