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In most cases, the signs of skin cancer are fairly obvious. If you notice an unusual mole, or a spot that looks like a mole, or other blemishes on your skin that haven't been there before, you need to see a doctor.
But in very rare cases (about 1 in 100), there are no noticeable signs of cancer on the skin. Instead, the disease manifests itself in ways that you don't suspect are skin cancer symptoms. Below is a list of 7 symptoms you should watch out for:
- Lumps under the skin
Bumps under the skin in places like the armpits, groin, neck (although they may appear in other areas) can be a sign of cancer in the lymph nodes. Jeremy Davis, MD , clinical lecturer and surgeon at Los Angeles Health, says:
It's not common, but there are situations where your immune system takes care of the primary mole or skin lesion, even if the cancer itself is metastasizing. So the cancer started on your skin, but you didn't see it.
If you notice such a bump, you should make an appointment with your doctor.
- Abdominal pain
Melanoma is a malignant tumor that forms on the skin and internal organs of a person. Melanoma can also metastasize to the liver. The symptom of metastasis is pain in the “upper right quadrant” of the abdomen, says Dr. Davis. But a lot of other diseases cause pain in this area, some of which are not very dangerous (for example, gallstones). But even if the pain does not cause much anxiety, you should consult a doctor.
- Labored breathing
Melanoma metastases can also be found in the lungs. They usually present with shortness of breath and a persistent cough. If you have these symptoms, it is very unlikely that they are signs of cancer. The symptoms usually indicate different conditions (such as asthma or bronchitis), but they still require a physical examination.
- Joint pain
In addition to all of these areas mentioned above, your bones can also be affected by melanoma metastases. The symptoms are similar to those of arthritis. If you are experiencing joint pain, you need to go to the doctor and get tested to rule out cancer.
- vision problems
Melanocytes are the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives color to our skin, hair, and eyes. Melanoma starts in melanocytes, which means your eyes may be affected first. In such cases, the symptoms are vision problems and "pigmentation in the iris ," according to Dr. Davis.
- Cramping and other abdominal problems.
Melanoma can lead to problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Dr. Davis says: “ Diarrhea , constipation, colic or pain are all possible.”
- Headache
Although rare, melanoma can start in the brain. Symptoms include headaches, seizures, or cognitive problems. These symptoms can be a sign of both primary brain melanoma (it started in the brain) and melanoma metastases.
This post is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical assistance. Before starting any course of treatment, you should consult your doctor.