Skin cancer may cause itching sensations. Key symptoms and diagnostic methods, along with potential underlying causes, are discussed below.
In our daily lives, itchy skin can be a common complaint. However, persistent itchiness can sometimes be a sign of underlying health issues, including skin cancer.
Skin cancer, a serious condition, can develop in anyone. While certain physical attributes like light skin color, green or blue eyes, red or blonde hair, freckles, a large number of moles, and exposure to UV radiation can increase one's risk, it's essential to remember that anyone can develop this disease.
When it comes to skin cancer, there are three main types: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. While itchy skin is not typically an early or initial symptom of skin cancer, it may occur when the skin cancer has grown large in size.
BCC can present as open sores that do not heal, small, translucent bumps that are red or pink and may have black, blue, or brown areas. SCC, on the other hand, can present as wart-like growths, discolored, rough, scaly patches, open sores that do not heal, raised lumps or growths with a sunken center, and red, raised areas that might be itchy.
Melanoma, a less common but more dangerous type of skin cancer, may present as changes to a mole, and the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving) can be used to check moles for signs of melanoma. Early symptoms of melanoma, aside from itching, include changes in skin texture, pinkish patches or unusual discoloration, rapidly changing or irregularly shaped spots or growths, and lesions that resemble pimples but do not resolve.
Other causes of itchy skin include various diseases that affect the nervous system, such as shingles or diabetes, pregnancy, thyroid, kidney, or liver diseases, vitamin D deficiency, substances that irritate the skin, parasites like lice or scabies, skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, fungal infections, and allergic reactions to pollen, insect bites, food, or medication.
If you notice persistent, unusual, or changing skin lesions, texture alterations, and non-healing sores, it's crucial to consult a dermatologist for a professional evaluation. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment for skin cancer.
- Skin cancer, a serious medical-condition, can develop in anyone, regardless of their physical attributes, and may not initially present with itchy skin, but it may become itchy when the cancer has grown larger.
- Melanoma, a dangerous type of skin cancer, may present as changes to a mole, and the ABCDE rule can be used to check moles for signs of melanoma, which might include itchiness as a symptom.
- Other causes of itchy skin not related to skin cancer include various medical-conditions such as shingles, diabetes, thyroid, kidney, or liver diseases, and skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema, which are part of the health-and-wellness field.
- If you have persistent, unusual, or changing skin lesions, texture alterations, and non-healing sores, it's essential to consult a medical professional for a proper evaluation, as early detection and treatment can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment for skin cancer.
