Doctor reveals little known signs of deadly cancer that you can see on your lips and nails
A doctor has shared some little-known-about symptoms of skin cancer that you should be wary of.
Skin cancer affects millions of people across the globe each year and is one of the most common cancers in the United States.
As per the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, and more than two people die each hour in the States from it.
With skin cancer being a common cancer that people develop, it's likely you'll know of some symptoms to look out for.
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Some of these include a lump, an ulcer that doesn't heal within four weeks, red patches on your skin, or a change in freckles or moles you have.
But Dr Emily Alfonsi, a skin cancer doctor at Shade Skin, has highlighted other symptoms that could be skin cancer indicators.
"Skin cancer doesn’t always present in obvious ways," she told Mirror Online.
"Recognising subtle changes in your skin, nails, or lips can be crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. It’s vital to be proactive in seeking medical advice if something doesn’t seem right."
Speaking on the importance of early detection, Dr Alfonsi said skin cancer is 'highly treatable' if found early.
Chapped lips
In regards to lesser-known symptoms of skin cancer, one is persistent chapped lips.
Chapped lips are more common in the winter months, but if they remain sore and cracked despite using moisturizing treatments, it could indicate squamous cell carcinoma (which is caused by sun damage).
"If your lips do not improve with treatment or you notice additional symptoms such as persistent sores, lumps, or changes in color, it’s important to seek medical attention," Dr Alfonsi said.
Nail discoloration
As well as monitoring your lips, another thing to keep an eye on is your nails - discoloration in particular.
You should look out for 'a dark streak, spot, or irregular pigmentation under the nail', as it could be a sign of subungual melanoma - a rare but serious type of skin cancer.
Unlike other skin cancers, subungual melanoma is not linked to sun exposure, Cleveland Clinic explains.
"It’s most likely to develop in your big toe, thumb or index finger," it adds.
Some skin cancer symptoms might appear harmless at first, something which Dr Muneeb Shah knows first-hand.
The doctor said he'd noticed a 'pink, itchy bump that could be mistaken for a pimple or an ingrown hair' that he wasn't worried about, but he accidentally scratched it and made it bleed.
He then suspected that he had basal cell skin cancer, which was later confirmed by further tests.
Dr Shah went to have Mohs surgery, which is described as a 'controlled surgery' to remove skin cancer.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.
Niamh Shackleton