Warning Signs of Hidden Melanomas You may know to check your body for melanoma -- the most serious form of skin cancer -- but you may not know a small percent can hide under your nails, on your scalp, in the palms of your hands, and on the soles of your feet. The American Academy of Dermatology warns melanoma is not limited to sun-exposed areas of your body and advises regular self-examinations, which should include areas where the skin cancer can hide. Melanomas under the nails often look like a brown or black-colored streak within the nail plate and are often mistaken for a bruise. A new study from Columbia University in New York reveals the streak alone is not an accurate predictor of the underlying medical cause of the condition. "This study underscores the importance of obtaining a biopsy of the nail matrix in order to accurately diagnose subungual melanoma," says Richard K. Scher, M.D., professor of clinical dermatology at Columbia University. "Patients should see a dermatologist if a dark-colored streak appears within the nail plate, if the nail discoloration does not gradually improve, or if the size of the streak increases over time." Researchers also stress using the ABCDs of melanoma during self-exams: Asymmetry -- half of a mole is different from the other Border Irregularity -- the border of melanomas are usually ragged notched or blurred Color -- melanoma often has a variety of hues and colors within the same lesion Diameter -- melanomas are usually greater than six millimeters (the size of a pencil eraser) but they can be smaller. If a mole is different from others -- no matter the size -- or if it changes, itches or bleeds, see a dermatologist This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/. SOURCE: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2006;54:664-7 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.