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Can You Get Skin Cancer on a Part of the Body Never Exposed to the Sun?

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Most skin cancers are basal cell, squamous cell, or melanoma, the most serious kind. Skin cancers are generally associated with sun exposure, but it is possible to have skin cancer on a part of the body that is not exposed to the sun, such as palms or soles of feet.

  1. Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomas

    • Basal cell carcinoma accounts for about 90 percent of skin cancers. It almost never spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body. About 20 percent of these cancers are not caused by sun exposure, though sun exposure is the main risk factor for them. Other risk factors are age, ultraviolet rays from overuse of tanning booths, and therapeutic radiation.

      Squamous cell carcinoma affects the tissue on the surface of the skin. It is most likely to occur on light skin. It can metastasize. Either of these skin cancers can recur.

    Melanoma

    • Melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer, because it is the type most likely to metastasize. It can occur anywhere on the body, including areas that do not have sun exposure. Melanomas can occur on normal skin, or when a mole becomes cancerous. On men, it is most common on the head, neck, and trunk; in women it is most common on the lower leg. People with a lot of moles might be more susceptible to developing melanomas.

    Dark Skin

    • Natural dark skin (not tanned) offers some protection against skin cancer caused by sun exposure, but people with dark skin can still get skin cancer. Melanomas in people with dark skin are more likely to be in areas not normally exposed to the sun, such as palms, soles of feet, and under fingernails and toenails.

    Symptoms and Prevention

    • Using sunscreen and minimizing exposure to the sun can help prevent cancers that are associated with sun exposure. The causes of cancers in skin areas not exposed to the sun are not clear, so early detection is important.

      Skin cancers can appear as bumps or lesions, or as moles that change size or color. See a doctor if your skin shows any unexplained changes. Diagnosis is important; treatment is vital if it's needed. Most skin cancers can be removed by a trained medical provider.

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