, would be as simple as spotting a dark, bumpy mole. But with melanoma, it's not always that simple.
Unfortunately, cases of melanoma are increasing—and fast. According to the American Academy of Dermatology , more than 100,000 new melanoma cases were diagnosed in 2021. Since 2012, the number of new invasive melanoma cases diagnosed annually has. “Melanoma is more common in people with fair skin who have less melanin to protect them from the sun,” says Dr. Alam. Still, melanoma can an affect anyone regardless of skin color.
, Vice Chair and Chief of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery in the Department of Dermatology at Northwestern Medicine. The good news? Melanoma is highly curable as long as it's caught in the beginning stages.Melanoma can show up on your ears, scalp, genitalia, soles of your feet, palms, nail beds, fingers, and toes. It takes longer to recognize melanoma in those areas because they are often overlooked or difficult to monitor.