Shereene IdrissBoard Certified Derm, Founder and Chief Nerd

Unexpected Places Skin Cancer Can Hide

7 Feb 2026 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

1:02

In this concise health‑focused video, the speaker highlights several less‑obvious body sites where skin cancer can develop and offers practical tips for early detection. She advises viewers to have their hairdresser examine the scalp, to get annual eye exams, to ask dentists to inspect the roof of the mouth, to discuss any concerning spots during routine gynecological exams, and to check between the toes (or ask pedicurists) for hidden lesions. Throughout, she emphasizes self‑advocacy—encouraging patients to ask clinicians direct questions about any brown or dark spots—so they can catch potential skin cancers early.

Chapters

Foreign cancer can appear anywhere. I'm going to give you some tips today on where you should be looking that you'd least expect. You cannot see your scalp with your own two eyes. The next time you go to the hairdresser, have them look through your scalp so they can tell you if you have anything that you should have a dermatologist check out. Now, it doesn't always show up so obviously on your eyes, and that is why seeing an eye doctor at least once a year for eye health is super important. Even if your vision is 2020. Yes, you can get skin cancer on the front part of your mouth, but the scarier and the more hidden part is the roof of your mouth. So every year when you go to the dent, ask them to take a look at your mouth to see if they notice any dark spots or any funny growth. I'm going to spare you the picture. Every year when you go for your yearly vagine exam with your ob, make sure to ask them and do not be afraid to ask questions because you are your biggest advocate. Do I have any brown spots down there that I should be aware of on the inside or out? And last between the toesies? If you're getting a pedicure, great, you can ask them, but you can also look yourself. If you guys have any more questions on all things skincare related, skin cancer related, let me know below. I'm always here to help you.