Table of Contents
Where does melanoma most often occur?
Melanomas can develop anywhere on the skin, but they are more likely to start on the trunk (chest and back) in men and on the legs in women. The neck and face are other common sites.
What is the most common site for malignant melanoma?
The most common sites are the trunk, head, and neck. It is more common for nodular melanoma to begin in normal skin rather than in a preexisting lesion. Nodular melanoma is usually invasive at the time of diagnosis.
Who most commonly gets melanoma?
Melanoma is more common in men overall, but before age 50 the rates are higher in women than in men. The risk of melanoma increases as people age. The average age of people when it is diagnosed is 65. But melanoma is not uncommon even among those younger than 30.
Where is the most common place to get skin cancer?
Most often, skin cancer develops in areas of the body that are regularly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, such as the:
- Scalp.
- Face.
- Nose.
- Tops of the ears.
- Lips.
- Neck.
- Chest.
- Arms.
Where is the most common site for melanoma in females?
In women, the legs—particularly the lower legs—are the most common area for melanoma to occur. If you check regularly and find melanoma in the early stages, it’s highly treatable. So be sure to look at the backs of your legs and your ankles and feet as well. And remember sunscreen when your legs are exposed.
Can skin cancer appear anywhere?
Many skin cancers are more common on parts of the body that tend to get more sun, such as the face, head, neck, and arms. But skin cancers can occur anywhere on the body. Some of the more common ways in which skin cancers can appear include: A new, expanding, or changing growth, spot, or bump on the skin.
What does a melanoma spot look like?
Border that is irregular: The edges are often ragged, notched, or blurred in outline. The pigment may spread into the surrounding skin. Color that is uneven: Shades of black, brown, and tan may be present. Areas of white, gray, red, pink, or blue may also be seen.