Yes, and yes again! While skin cancers are less commonly diagnosed in areas that are normally shielded from the sun, they can and do develop there. There are a number of factors that play a role in the development of skin cancer — including genetics and environmental pollution — that have nothing to do with the sun’s rays. One of the reasons why a complete skin exam is so valuable is that your dermatologist will be able to notice changes that may be normally hidden under clothing. This way, any suspected skin cancers can be diagnosed and treated promptly. Don’t worry, your doctor will respect your modesty with an exam gown and/or cloth draping.
About the Expert:
Steven Greene, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Seattle, Washington. He is medical director of the Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery.
English
Chinese (Simplified)
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Spanish