Itchy skin isn’t always a telltale sign of skin cancer lesions, but it is worth scheduling a skin check to rule it out. Most types of skin cancer are visibly apparent before they itch. However, a thorough evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

If you notice other suspicious changes in addition to itchy skin, a skin cancer screening with one of the board-certified dermatologists at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania can help uncover the cause. Early detection is key to getting you the greatest chance for successful treatment, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Many conditions can cause itchy skin, including skin cancer. This abnormal change and growth of cells usually manifests in three main types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Other reasons you could have itchy skin include:

• Dry skin
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Contact dermatitis
• An insect bite
• An allergic reaction
• An inflamed hair follicle
• Poison ivy

Most of these conditions are manageable with the appropriate care, but they can be difficult to treat on your own. With that said, skin cancer can itch at times. If you notice other symptoms, like flat, scaly lesions or abnormal moles, schedule a skin cancer screening with Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania.

Watch for these signs in addition to itchy skin:

• New growth or lesion
• A change in a mole, like the spreading of the pigment beyond its border
• A sore that crusts over continuously without healing
• A rough or scaly patch
• A pink, pearly bump that bleeds easily

It can be difficult to decipher the cause of these changes on your own. A board-certified dermatologist can help diagnose your condition and provide the care you need.

What types of skin cancer can itch?

When skin cancer is itchy, it can be a non-melanoma type, such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Of the two, squamous cell carcinoma may be itchy more often. Squamous cell carcinoma has a risk for peri-neural invasion (the space surrounding a nerve) compared to basal cell carcinoma, which may make it more likely to cause itching and general discomfort.

Pain and tenderness are more common symptoms associated with skin cancer. However, it may irritate the fine nerve endings in the skin and may cause an itching sensation as well.

Certain subtypes of squamous cell carcinoma may cause itching more often than others. A common form is keratoacanthoma, which grows rapidly and can result in itchiness and irritation.

If not itchy, how does skin cancer look when it starts?

Noticeable skin changes are a common way for patients to identify possibly dangerous issues. Newly formed pink scaly patches, a pink bump, a lesion that won’t heal, or a papule with scattered and broken blood vessels can be noticeable signs.

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type. It looks like a pink, pearl-shaped bump or pink patch of skin. BCCs can frequently develop in people with fair skin tones, but they aren’t limited to that demographic.

Basal cell carcinoma is usually the result of years of sun exposure or indoor tanning. These lesions are commonly found on the head, neck, and arms, but can also be present anywhere on the body, like on the chest, abdomen, or legs.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma can present with itching occasionally. It usually looks like a red, firm bump or scaly patch, or a sore that keeps healing and reopening. It’s the second most common type of skin cancer.

People with fair skin are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma, but it can affect anybody. These growths typically form on areas exposed to the sun, like the rim of the ear, face, neck, arms, chest, or back.

Squamous cell carcinoma can be associated with a precancerous growth called an actinic keratosis (AK). These are dry, scaly patches that can occasionally itch and be irritated. They’re also caused by excessive sun exposure and frequently occur in those with fair skin. AKs are most commonly found on the head, neck, hands, and forearms.

Melanoma

Melanoma is not commonly itchy – but it is also the most dangerous. Melanoma can look like a mole or a new dark spot. It can have a tendency to spread quickly, making it more difficult to treat than other types of skin cancer.

When performing self checks at home, patients can identify new lesions like moles, unusual growths, bumps, sore, scaly patches, or dark spots. Check for asymmetry to see if the two halves of the lesion or mole aren’t identical, as this could be more concerning for melanoma. Look at the border to see if it has jagged or uneven edges. If it has an odd color, a wide diameter, or keeps evolving, get screened as soon as possible.

Most types of skin cancer are treatable with early detection and professional intervention.

Keeping up with your annual skin cancer checkups in Devon, PA, is the best way to catch any type of skin lesion early. Early detection is essential for the best possible treatment and outcome. By staying on top of any changes and getting checked every year, you’re setting yourself up for success if you happen to get it.

During your appointment, your dermatologist may ask you if you’ve noticed any changes. Make sure to let them know about any changes you’ve noticed. Your dermatologist will examine you from head to toe to make sure nothing is missed. If they find a suspicious lesion, they may schedule a biopsy and treatment appointments accordingly.

Rely on our experts here at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Pennsylvania for all of your medical and cosmetic skin needs, including early detection and treatment if needed. Contact us today – we’re here to help keep your skin healthy and cancer-free.