6 Early Melanoma Signs Most People Tend to Ignore

Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, often hides in plain sight. While many are vigilant about obvious changes in moles, subtle signs can easily go unnoticed. Early detection is crucial, as the five-year survival rate for localized melanoma is about 99%, but it drops significantly once the cancer spreads. Here are 7 subtle signs of melanoma that you should never ignore.

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1. Changes in skin texture

Researchers warn that melanoma most often develops as new spots and not from existing moles. That's why it's important to check your skin for any new scaly patches, open sores, or raised bumps. These changes might be subtle, but they are significant when assessing skin health.​

2. Loss of eyebrow or eyelash hair

You might not think twice about a little patch of missing eyebrow or eyelash hair—but it could be a red flag. According to researchers, some melanomas can actually start deep inside your hair follicles. As the cancer grows, it can damage the follicle from the inside out, leading to unexpected hair loss right where the tumor is forming. It’s one of those sneaky signs that’s easy to miss—but could mean a lot more than a bad brow day.

3. Colorless or pinkish patches

While melanoma is often associated with dark pigmentation, some can appear colorless or exhibit pink, red, or purple hues. These amelanotic melanomas lack melanin, making them harder to detect and often mistaken for benign skin conditions like pimples or warts. Due to their subtle appearance, they are frequently diagnosed at more advanced stages.

4. Dark streaks under the nails

A dark streak, spot, or irregular pigmentation under the nail can indicate subungual melanoma, a rare but serious type of skin cancer. This condition is often mistaken for a bruise and is not linked to sun exposure. It doesn't cause pain, so it's easy to overlook it.

5. Lesions on the soles of the feet or palms

Due to the false belief that melanoma only develops on sun-exposed skin, these spots are often found much later—sometimes only after they've grown deeper or spread to other parts of the body. Also, these lesions may be mistaken for calluses or warts. Persistent, unusual spots in these areas should be examined by a healthcare professional.​

6. New moles after age 20

Most moles develop during childhood or adolescence. If you notice a new mole appearing after age 20, it's essential to have it evaluated by a dermatologist.

It’s a stark reminder that even the smallest actions can lead to big consequences—just like those early, subtle signs of melanoma that might seem harmless at first but can snowball into much bigger issues if left unchecked. Just ask the mom whose baby is now facing the potential loss of an eye—all because of a well-meaning kiss.