Can people with dark skin get melanoma?
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Even though fair-skinned and light-haired people are most at risk for developing melanoma, it's possible for people with dark skin to develop the disease, too. In people with darker skin tones, their skin naturally produces more melanin, or pigment, which means their skin has more protection from the sun. However, melanoma still can occur, and when it does, it's more likely to be "hidden." This means that the melanoma develops in places that aren't exposed to the sun. Possible areas that can be affected include eyes, esophagus, mouth, nose, and urinary tract. These types of melanoma are often more difficult to find, so it's important to talk with a doctor if you have any unusual symptoms.
Even though fair-skinned and light-haired people are most at risk for developing melanoma, it's possible for people with dark skin to develop the disease, too. In people with darker skin tones, their skin naturally produces more melanin, or pigment,... More -
Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:Yes, for people with brown skin, melanomas tend to occur in areas that aren’t exposed to the sun, such as the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, nail beds and inside the mouth. If you have brown skin, the increased pigment does protect you from skin cancers caused primarily by sun exposure. But the sun isn’t the only cause. For example, the most common type of skin cancer in African-Americans—called squamous cell carcinoma—can develop from chronic trauma or a chronic wound.Yes, for people with brown skin, melanomas tend to occur in areas that aren’t exposed to the sun, such as the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, nail beds and inside the mouth. If you have brown skin, the increased pigment does protect... More
