Skin cancer on the head is very common, due to our scalps directly facing  the sun. What does skin cancer on your head look like? Depending on what kind of cancerous growth is on your scalp, it can look like anything from a bumpy, wart-like growth to a flat, sore-like lesion. Learn more about what to expect from early stage skin cancer on the scalp. 

What Causes Skin Cancer on the Head? 

The biggest cause of skin cancer on the head is overexposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) rays. Too much time in the sun can cause serious disruption to your skin cells’ regular development, triggering them to regenerate at an abnormal pace. Body parts that are often uncovered by clothing–such as the head, face, neck, and arms–are more susceptible to sunlight overexposure, making them more prone to skin cancer development. In fact, skin cancer on the head accounts for 13% of all diagnoses. 

Early Stage Skin Cancer on Scalp  

Being aware of the early signs of skin cancer can help ward off issues before they become too serious. There are three types on non-melanoma skin cancer that can develop on your head, each with distinct visual characteristics:

• Basal cell carcinoma: which can appear as a flat, waxy, flesh-colored sore that refuses to heal 
• Squamous cell carcinoma: which can appear as a firm red bump or crusty patch of skin 
• Melanoma: which can start as a brown mole and then change in color, size, and shape 

Looking for a cancerous growth on your scalp is a challenging endeavor to do on one’s own. Working with a dermatologist is the best way to stay ahead of early stage skin cancer on the scalp, as this trained physician will have a much better vantage point to look through your hair and find any worrisome signs. Be sure to schedule annual skin cancer screenings to take care of this important health task. 

Consider IG-SRT as a Non-Invasive Treatment for Skin Cancer on the Head

If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer on the head, ask your dermatologist about IG-SRT, the surgery-free treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer. This non-invasive procedure is just as effective as Mohs surgery but without scarring or significant down time. Find out how it works to learn more, and connect with our Skin Cancer Information Specialist team at 855-936-4411 to find a provider near you.