Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypes of CancerWhat It Looks LikeRisk FactorsHow to Do a Self-ExamDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionPrognosis
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types of Cancer
What It Looks Like
Risk Factors
How to Do a Self-Exam
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Prognosis
Skin canceron the scalp can appear as a new or changing mole or wart, a bleeding scab that doesn’t heal, a scaly patch, or a scar. Thesemalignant(cancerous) lesions can develop unnoticed, hidden under hair or a hat, and on parts of your head that you can’t see.
Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma can all develop on the scalp. Malignant scalp lesions account for 13% of all skin cancers. Sun exposure is the most common cause.
This article describes the different types of cancers affecting the scalp as well as how they are diagnosed and treated. It also offers prevention tips and instructions on how to perform a self-exam.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from ©DermNet and ©Te Whatu Oradermnetnz.org2023.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet and ©Te Whatu Oradermnetnz.org2023.
Types of Skin Cancer Affecting the Scalp
Differenttypes of skin cancercan develop on your scalp. The two most common, called basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are considered highly curable. Melanoma is a rarer and more aggressive form of cancer that can still be cured if found in the earlier stages.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)is the most common form of skin cancer affecting over 3.5 million people in the United States each year. It starts in the basal cell layer, the innermost layer of theepidermis.
BCC accounts for around 40% of all scalp skin cancers. The tumors are commonly found in sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the scalp, head, face, and neck.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)is a type of cancer that starts in flat, scale-like squamous cells situated on the surface of the epidermis.It is the second most common form of skin cancer with more than a million cases diagnosed in the United States each year.
Though not as common as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma is more serious because it is more likely to grow andmetastasize(spread).
Melanoma
Melanomais less common than BCC and SCC but is the deadliest of all three types. If left untreated, melanoma can rapidly spread to other organs of the body.
Between 3% and 6% of all melanomas are located on the scalp. Melanoma can take different forms, including sores, ulcers, and moles; it can also present as a pink or skin-colored bump that may grow and bleed. In some cases, it is colorless.
Because melanoma on the scalp is easy to miss (or mistake for other medical conditions), it has a greater chance of spreading. In fact, around one of every eight scalp melanomas will be diagnosed when the cancer has already spread to the brain.
Uncommon Types
Types of skin cancer less commonly affecting the scalp includeKaposi sarcoma (KS),Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC),cutaneous lymphoma,sebaceous gland carcinoma, and certainsarcomas. These comprise less than 1% of all skin cancers.
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What Does Cancer of the Scalp Look Like?
Basal cell carcinomaon the scalp can appear as:
Squamous cell carcinomaon the scalp can appear as:
Melanomaon the scalp can appear as:
The “Ugly Duckling” Sign of Melanoma
Signs of Skin Cancer You May Not Know
Causes and Risk Factors
Ultraviolet (UV) radiationfrom the sun or a tanning bed is the most common cause of skin cancer.
Your scalp is vulnerable because it is a part of the body most commonly exposed to the sun, particular if you are bald or have thinning hair. With that said, you can still get scalp cancer even with a full head of hair.
Other risk factors for skin cancer include:
Skin Cancer Self-Check
The aim of the self-exam is to look for any skin abnormalities, particularly those that have occurred since your last self-exam. This includes changes in moles. This self-check should be done monthly.
To get the best results, wet your hair slightly and use a comb to section off portions of hair in 1/2-inch blocks. In addition to visually inspecting your scalp, use your fingers to feel around for any bumps, sores, patches, or lesions.
If you think you’ve found something abnormal on your skin (or are simply unsure what you’ve found), see your healthcare provider.
How to Tell If a Mole Is Skin Cancer
Skin cancer of the scalp is typically diagnosed with a combination of a physical exam and askin biopsy. As part of the evaluation, the healthcare provider may ask questions about your general health, family history of skin cancer, and other symptoms you may be experiencing.
During the physical exam, the healthcare provider will check for any skin problems, either with the naked eye or a magnifying device called adermatoscope. If skin cancer is suspected, the healthcare provider will perform a skin biopsy to obtain a sample of tissue to evaluate in the lab.
There are different types of biopsies that may be used based on the size, location, and characteristics of the tumor:
After the biopsy is done, you should receive the results within several days to a couple of weeks.
Treatment of Skin Cancer of the Scalp
If you are diagnosed with scalp cancer, the treatment may vary based on the type of cancer you have, thegrade (severity)of the tumor, and the extent to which the tumor may or may not have spread. Yourgeneral healthmay also factor in.
Many people with skin cancer only require surgery to remove the tumor. No further treatment may be needed.
The hair may need to be shaved around the tumor in preparation for surgery. Once the incision is stitched together, any scar can usually be hidden with surrounding hair. If you are bald, an effort will be made to minimize the appearance of a scar; however, plastic surgery may be needed.
If additional treatment is needed (typically for advanced malignancies), it may include:
Your healthcare provider will discuss all your treatment options with you. You may need a combination of treatments, particularly if metastasis has occurred.
Prevention Tips
There are several ways to prevent skin cancer of the scalp and other parts of the body:
8 Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer
Early diagnosis of skin cancer is naturally linked to better outcomes. But that can be a challenge given that cancer of the scalp often goes unnoticed until the tumor is larger and more advanced,
For melanoma, the most severe form of skin cancer, the current five-year survival rate breaks down as follows:
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are both very treatable. Prognosis and survival rates for most non-melanoma skin cancers are considered to be excellent. Death is uncommon and may only occur if the cancer is diagnosed at a very advanced stage.
Summary
Skin cancer can affect the scalp in the same way as any other area of the body. Though bald people or those with thinning hair may be at greater risk due to increased UV exposure, anyone can be affected. The most common types are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.
As with other types of skin cancer, cancer of the scalp is diagnosed with a skin biopsy. Although surgical removal of the tumor is often the only treatment needed, advanced cases may require radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted drugs.
When cancer of the scalp is localized, the prognosis is excellent. Even with advanced cases of BCC and SCC, the outlook is generally positive if treated appropriately.
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Prodinger C, Koller J, Laimer M.Scalp tumors.JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft. 2018;16(6):730-753. doi:10.1111/ddg.13546Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Skin cancer basics.American Cancer Society.What are basal and squamous cell skin cancers?American Cancer Society.Key statistics for basal and squamous cell skin cancers.The Skin Cancer Foundation.Squamous cell carcinoma.The Skin Cancer Foundation.Melanoma overview.Huismans AM, Haydu LE, Shannon KF, et al.Primary melanoma location on the scalp is an important risk factor for brain metastasis: a study of 1,687 patients with cutaneous head and neck melanomas.Ann Surg Oncol. 2014 Nov;21(12):3985-91. doi:10.1245/s10434-014-3829-9Cancer Research UK.Symptoms - melanoma.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of basal and squamous cell skin cancers.The Skin Cancer Foundation.Melanoma warning signs.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Skin cancer risk factors.American Academy of Dermatology.How can I tell if I have skin cancer?National Cancer Institute.Skin cancer treatment (PDQ®)–patient version.Cancer Research UK.Skin cancer risks and causes.National Cancer Institute.Cancer fast stats: melanoma of the skin.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Prodinger C, Koller J, Laimer M.Scalp tumors.JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft. 2018;16(6):730-753. doi:10.1111/ddg.13546Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Skin cancer basics.American Cancer Society.What are basal and squamous cell skin cancers?American Cancer Society.Key statistics for basal and squamous cell skin cancers.The Skin Cancer Foundation.Squamous cell carcinoma.The Skin Cancer Foundation.Melanoma overview.Huismans AM, Haydu LE, Shannon KF, et al.Primary melanoma location on the scalp is an important risk factor for brain metastasis: a study of 1,687 patients with cutaneous head and neck melanomas.Ann Surg Oncol. 2014 Nov;21(12):3985-91. doi:10.1245/s10434-014-3829-9Cancer Research UK.Symptoms - melanoma.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of basal and squamous cell skin cancers.The Skin Cancer Foundation.Melanoma warning signs.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Skin cancer risk factors.American Academy of Dermatology.How can I tell if I have skin cancer?National Cancer Institute.Skin cancer treatment (PDQ®)–patient version.Cancer Research UK.Skin cancer risks and causes.National Cancer Institute.Cancer fast stats: melanoma of the skin.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Prodinger C, Koller J, Laimer M.Scalp tumors.JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft. 2018;16(6):730-753. doi:10.1111/ddg.13546Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Skin cancer basics.American Cancer Society.What are basal and squamous cell skin cancers?American Cancer Society.Key statistics for basal and squamous cell skin cancers.The Skin Cancer Foundation.Squamous cell carcinoma.The Skin Cancer Foundation.Melanoma overview.Huismans AM, Haydu LE, Shannon KF, et al.Primary melanoma location on the scalp is an important risk factor for brain metastasis: a study of 1,687 patients with cutaneous head and neck melanomas.Ann Surg Oncol. 2014 Nov;21(12):3985-91. doi:10.1245/s10434-014-3829-9Cancer Research UK.Symptoms - melanoma.American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of basal and squamous cell skin cancers.The Skin Cancer Foundation.Melanoma warning signs.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Skin cancer risk factors.American Academy of Dermatology.How can I tell if I have skin cancer?National Cancer Institute.Skin cancer treatment (PDQ®)–patient version.Cancer Research UK.Skin cancer risks and causes.National Cancer Institute.Cancer fast stats: melanoma of the skin.
Prodinger C, Koller J, Laimer M.Scalp tumors.JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft. 2018;16(6):730-753. doi:10.1111/ddg.13546
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The Skin Cancer Foundation.Melanoma overview.
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Cancer Research UK.Symptoms - melanoma.
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of basal and squamous cell skin cancers.
The Skin Cancer Foundation.Melanoma warning signs.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Skin cancer risk factors.
American Academy of Dermatology.How can I tell if I have skin cancer?
National Cancer Institute.Skin cancer treatment (PDQ®)–patient version.
Cancer Research UK.Skin cancer risks and causes.
National Cancer Institute.Cancer fast stats: melanoma of the skin.
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