When most people think about melanoma, they picture skin cancers caused by sun damage or areas exposed to years of UV radiation such as the face, shoulders, arms, and back. But a surprising and important truth is this: melanoma can also develop in areas that rarely - if ever, see the sun.
This raises a question many patients ask during a skin check appointment in Melbourne:
“Can I get melanoma on non–sun-exposed areas?”
The answer is yes. And understanding why is essential for early detection, prevention, and timely treatment.
Melanoma Can Occur Anywhere—Even Without Sun Exposure
While UV radiation is a major risk factor, melanoma is ultimately a cancer of the pigment cells (melanocytes). These cells exist across almost the entire body, not just the skin. This means melanoma can develop in hidden or unexpected areas, including:
- The soles of the feet
- Under the nails
- Between the toes
- The scalp
- The buttocks
- Inside the mouth
- The genital area
This is why comprehensive skin checks in Melbourne, including a full body skin check—are vital, even for those who don’t believe they’re high-risk.
Types of Melanomas Found in Non-UV Areas
Acral Lentiginous Melanoma
A less common subtype, acral lentiginous melanoma, often appears on the palms, soles, or under nails. It is not caused by sun exposure and can be harder to recognise early.
Amelanotic Melanoma
Some melanomas lack pigment entirely, known as amelanotic melanoma. These may appear pink, red, or skin coloured, making them easy to overlook during casual self-checks.
Nodular Melanoma
This aggressive form, nodular melanoma, can develop rapidly and may appear anywhere. It often presents as a firm, raised bump—sometimes mistaken for a pimple or ingrown hair.
Because these types often appear in hidden or low-UV areas, routine skin cancer checks with a Melbourne Skin Cancer Specialist are essential for detecting them early.
What Does Melanoma Look Like?
Many patients aren’t sure what melanoma looks like, especially in places they don’t commonly inspect. Warning signs include:
- New or changing moles
- Asymmetrical shapes
- Uneven borders
- Multiple colours
- Rapid growth
- Spots that are sore, itch or don’t heal
For visual reference, the Melanoma Institute Australia provides educational melanoma pictures that help individuals recognise concerning features. However, images can’t replace a Melbourne professional skin cancer check with dermoscopic imaging.
Early Detection: Why Professional Skin Checks Matter
Hidden melanomas are often missed without expert assessment. During a skin cancer check, Melbourne clinicians examine the entire body using dermoscopy and medical-grade imaging to detect subtle, early-stage changes.
Regular professional checks offer:
- Early detection of early stage melanoma
- Identification of unusual or hidden lesions
- Monitoring of existing moles through Mole-mapping technology
- Peace of mind through consistent skin surveillance
Even a single unusual spot warrants a spot check or a more comprehensive full body skin check appointment.
Why Full-Body Skin Checks Are Essential
A full body skin check allows Melbourne specialists to examine every area—even those you may not think to look at. Since malignant melanoma can occur on the scalp, under nails, or in the groin, complete coverage ensures nothing is missed.
People with many moles often benefit from ongoing mole checks every 6-12months as well as routine imaging.
Melanoma Treatment at QC Skin Clinic Melbourne
QC Skin clinic can help patients with suspicious moles by booking in for a Full body Skin Check, Mole-Mapping, or a spot check. If melanoma is detected, patients have access to advanced melanoma treatment all within our Melbourne clinic, these options include:
- Biopsies
- Surgical excisions
- Targeted therapies
Early diagnosis dramatically improves treatment outcomes, making regular skin cancer check appointments critical.
So Yes—Melanoma Can Develop in Non-Sun-Exposed Areas
Melanoma is not just a “sun damage” cancer. It can appear anywhere, which means places you never thought to check may still be at risk.
To protect yourself, prioritise:
- Regular skin check appointments with Melbourne Skin Cancer Specialists using dermoscopy
- Routine MoleMap imaging scans
- Prompt spot check appointments for any changes to be reviewed by professional clinicians in Melbourne
Early detection saves lives. Book your skin cancer check today.
