A dermatologist has sounded an alarm over the overlooked danger of genital skin cancer, which can strike both women and men, warning about its potentially severe consequences that often go unnoticed due to lack of public knowledge and misdiagnosis.
Dr Emily Alfonsi from Shade Skin cautioned that embarrassment or confusion with less serious conditions such as eczema, ingrown hairs, or genital warts frequently results in late detection.
She emphasised: “Many people don’t realise that skin cancer can develop in areas never exposed to the sun, including the genitals. Early detection is crucial, but unfortunately, due to the stigma around discussing these symptoms, many cases are diagnosed at a later stage.”
Outlining the signs of this rare cancer type, Dr Alfonsi pointed out specific symptoms to watch for:
– Persistent sores or ulcers that don’t heal after several weeks
– Altered skin appearance like dark spots, redness, or thickening
– Odd bleeding, discharge, or itching that doesn’t subside
– Abrupt emergence of lumps, warts, or growths that have no resolution
– New moles or changes to existing ones on the genital region
Risk factors contributing to genital skin cancer were also stressed by Dr Alfonsi, noting that while anyone can get genital skin cancer, certain elements such as being infected with certain strains of HPV, the human papillomavirus, heighten the opportunity for developing squamous cell carcinoma in the genital area.
Genital skin cancer risk factors include smoking, which weakens the immune system and causes chronic skin irritation, as well as older age, with most cases occurring in individuals over 50. However, younger people can also develop the condition.
A weakened immune system, such as in those with HIV or undergoing immunosuppressive treatments, increases vulnerability. Dr Alfonsi emphasized the importance of early detection, stating: “If you notice any unusual changes, don’t ignore them or feel embarrassed-see a doctor. The sooner skin cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcome.”
To reduce risk, it is recommended to regularly check your skin, use barrier protection to prevent HPV transmission, quit smoking to lower the risk of squamous cell carcinoma, and consult a dermatologist or GP if persistent changes occur.
Dr Alfonsi added: “Genital skin cancer may be rare, but it is real, and the lack of awareness means cases are often diagnosed too late. I encourage people to speak openly about their health and seek medical advice if they notice any concerning symptoms.”