Our skin often tells us more than we realize. Changes in color, texture, or unusual markings can sometimes be early signals of underlying health issues. While not every spot or patch is dangerous, some abnormal darkening of the skin may be connected to the presence of cancer cells in the body.
Doctors call this condition acanthosis nigricans, where skin appears darker, thicker, and sometimes velvety in certain areas. Although it can also be related to diabetes, obesity, or hormonal imbalance, in rare cases, it can imply hidden cancers such as gastric can:cer, liver can:cer, or lymphoma.
Here are five areas of the body where abnormal darkening should not be ignored:
1. Neck
The neck is one of the most common places where abnormal skin darkening appears. If you spot that your neck looks consistently dirty, even after thorough washing, or feels thicker than usual, this may be more than a cosmetic concern. Some can:cers release hormones and proteins that disrupt normal skin cell growth, leading to this pigmentation.
