A doctor has shared the red flags of a common type of cancer that can appear in unusual places.
A medical professional has issued a warning that a prevalent form of cancer shows in unexpected areas of the body. The specialist encouraged people to watch for warning signs of skin cancer that could manifest in the eye or under the feet.
In a clip shared on social media platform TikTok, Doctor Suraj Kukadia cautioned his audience that melanomas “can appear anywhere on your body”. Melanoma is a form of skin cancer, which is the fifth most prevalent cancer type across the UK.
Figures from Cancer Research UK reveal that approximately 17,600 fresh cases of melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed in the UK annually. This particular cancer type originates in cells known as melanocytes.
The charity clarifies that these cells exist within the skin, the tissue layer that lines certain body parts (mucous membrane) and the eye. In his clip, Dr Kukadia, recognised online as Dr Sooj, said: “Melanomas can appear anywhere on your body.
“The most common areas to find melanomas are on the back and legs, but some rarer types can develop inside the eye, the soles of your feet, the palms of your hands, or on the genitals. Check your skin for any unusual changes or new growths.”
Specialists at the Mayo Clinic cautioned that eye melanomas could prove challenging to identify. However, indicators and symptoms of eye melanoma may include:
- Flashes of light or what look like specks of dust in a person’s vision. These are sometimes called floaters
- A growing dark spot in the colored part of the eye, called the iris
- A change in the shape of the pupil. The pupil is the dark circle at the centre of the eye
- Poor vision or blurry vision in one eye
- Not being able to see when looking to the side. This is called loss of peripheral vision
The clinic website advised: “Make an appointment with a healthcare professional if you have any symptoms of eye melanoma. If you notice sudden changes in your vision, seek emergency medical care right away.”
If you have a melanoma on your foot or hand, it could be something called acral lentiginous melanoma. According to Cancer Research UK: “Acral lentiginous melanoma is usually found on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
“It can also grow under or around the nails. It’s much more common on the feet than on the hands.” However, this is a rare type of melanoma. Only one to three out of every 100 people diagnosed with melanoma have acral lentiginous melanoma.
Other ways to spot melanoma
The most common sign of a melanoma is a new or changing mole. Cancer Research UK recommends using the ABCDE rule to identify a potentially cancerous mole:
- A – asymmetrical. Melanomas typically have an uneven shape
- B – border. Melanomas usually have irregular, blurry or jagged edges
- C – colour. Melanomas often display uneven colouring and contain more than one shade
- D – diameter. Most melanomas are wider than 6mm
- E – evolving. Melanomas may change in size, shape or colour
Additionally, the mole might:
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult your GP.
