People with blue eyes are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma.
In some cases, itching and skin cancer may be closely related. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, for example, is a blood cancer that can also attack the skin. When this happens, itching symptoms can persist throughout the body. Squamous cell carcinoma is a skin cancer that can cause large red itchy patches on the skin. It’s important to note that itching isn’t always present in skin cancer: melanoma and basal cell carcinoma are two types of skin cancer that usually don’t cause itching.
Skin cancer can occur on the hands.
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a general term that refers to many lymphomas of the skin. It is specifically a cancer that involves T-lymphocytes, or white blood cells, and also damages the blood and skin. CTCL is a rare condition and doctors often mistake it for eczema or dermatitis because patients routinely complain of itchy, smooth, red, scaly patches of skin.
Itchy skin and sores that don’t heal can be a sign of cancer.
CTCL can also occur in plaque or tumor stages. A plaque is a thick, raised skin lesion, while a tumor is a larger lesion that can ulcerate. The most common variation of CTCL is mycosis fungoides, and Sezary syndrome is the advanced stage of the disease. Patients with Sezary syndrome often have red, hot, painful, scaly, and itchy skin.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a skin cancer that can cause large red itchy patches on the skin.
Pruritus and skin cancer are also associated in many cases of squamous cell carcinoma in situ. This is known as Bowen’s disease, named after the doctor who first discovered it in the early 20th century. The term “in situ” indicates that the skin cancer is superficial and has not grown in through the layers of the skin. Squamous cell carcinomas can occur anywhere in the body, including the mucous membranes and the genitals. However, the most common areas are those that are frequently exposed to the sun, including the legs, arms, hands, lower lip, and the outer edge of the ear.
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma can be confused with dermatitis.
Squamous cell carcinoma in situ usually begins as a red, scaly patch. Some spots are brown and resemble melanoma, and the spots are often crusty or dry and itchy. A biopsy is usually done to confirm the diagnosis. People most at risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma are those with blonde or red hair, fair skin, and gray, green, or blue eyes. People with outdoor occupations or who spend a lot of free time in the sun are at particular risk. Additional risk factors include many severe sunburns in early life, exposure to arsenic or chemicals, and older age.
Flaking, itching, and skin cancer often appear together. A particular sign is a skin sore that does not heal or abruptly changes in appearance. An existing wound that bleeds, itches, or swells is another likely symptom of cancer.
Itching can sometimes occur along with skin cancer, although not always.
Diseases in which itching and skin cancer are not usually related include melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. Melanoma is usually painless and may be marked by a change in the size, color, shape, or feel of an existing mole. Basal cell carcinoma is one of the most common skin cancers and may look slightly different from normal skin. This can be characterized by a lump or growth on the skin that is waxy, white, light pink, or brown.
