Can a Skin Rash on Your Body Can Be a Sign of Cancer ?

We have all experienced skin rashes at one time or another because they are a fairly common skin condition. When that happens, more often than not, either we ignore it or use some topical medicine to relieve the discomfort. Dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction, is the primary reason for these, but they can also be caused by bacteria, viruses, and disorders such as psoriasis, and eczema. Most skin rashes are dry, itchy, and painful, and they often make the skin look red and swollen.  

However, sometimes, skin rashes can be the early symptoms of various types of cancer, and ignoring them can have serious consequences for our health. Therefore, you should consult a doctor right away if you notice any unexpected rashes that do not go away after a few days.   

What are Skin Rashes and Can They Be a Symptom of Cancer?  

Skin rashes are usually allergic reactions or bacteria-related infections that make the skin appear red and swollen, and the affected area constantly itches. Most skin rashes are not caused by cancer, but, unless you visit a doctor, you won’t be able to distinguish between normal skin rashes and cancer symptoms.  

For instance, psoriasis sufferers frequently have recurring, scaly, and reddish-pink skin plaques that occasionally itch, and the skin may even crack, causing more discomfort. This damaged skin may occasionally bleed, especially if you scratch it to relieve itching. Only a dermatologist will be able to differentiate skin cancer rashes from psoriasis-related skin rashes.   

Skin cancer rashes do not go away and spread over time, and then moles start to appear in the affected area. Cancer-related moles differ from other types of moles on the body in appearance, and they often are more than six millimeters in diameter, possess uneven edges, and have a range of hues. The lesion or rash's size and shape will often alter as the malignancy spreads, and it could take on a different form and penetrate deeper skin layers. 

If you are experiencing chronic skin rashes, it is best that you see a dermatologist and get screened for cancer if they advise that to you.   

Cancer-related Skin Rashes Can Vary in Appearance   

An unexpected rash on the skin that doesn't go away might be the first sign of cancer, and the appearance of skin rash cancer might vary depending on the type of cancer. As a general rule, you should seek medical attention right away if you see a rash on your skin that is changing in shape or colour. To keep yourself safe, it is best that you learn about the cancers that cause skin rashes and the appearance these rashes may have.  

1. Skin Cancer Rashes  

The development of aberrant cells in the tissues of your skin is the cause of skin cancer, which must be diagnosed early for proper treatment. As a natural biological process, new skin cells develop to replace aging and dying skin cells, but cells proliferate more quickly when this mechanism isn't functioning properly and causes cancer.  

If skin cancer is not detected in its early stages, it may spread to surrounding tissues and to other parts of your body. Thankfully, most cases of skin cancer are curable if detected and treated quickly, and that’s why it's crucial to see your healthcare professional if you suspect skin rash cancer.  

Skin cancer often first shows up as an uneven patch or rash on the skin's surface, and these areas could be elevated and prone to bleeding. The rash may alter in size or shape as the cancer spreads, and it may also invade deeper skin layers if not treated. Early detection and treatment of skin cancers rely heavily on routine skin inspection for any new growths or rashes, as well as any changes in the size, shape, or colour of an existing rash.   

Although most skin cancers occur in sun-exposed locations of the body, they can also occur in places that are typically shielded from the sun by clothing. You may form skin cancer-related rashes in the spaces between your toes, beneath your nails, on the palms of your hands, and soles of your feet. They can also appear around your genitalia in addition to your legs, arms, face, neck, and back. 

2. Leukemia-related Skin Rash  

Leukemia, a blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow, is brought on by excessive production of white blood cells, which interfere with the body's capacity to make platelets and red blood cells. Low platelet counts can make bleeding and bruising easier, and ruptured capillaries beneath the skin can result in petechiae, tiny red areas that mimic rashes on the skin.  

The type of leukemia and its stage affect the look of the rash. For example, in the early stages of chronic leukemia, rash symptoms might not be apparent, but after it advances, one may form a rash that resembles small red dots on the skin or darker or purple areas on the skin. Advanced leukemia also causes bleeding on many parts of the body, and the rash area may start bleeding as well.    

3. Skin Rash caused by Mycosis Fungoides 

Mycosis fungoides is a kind of blood cancer that develops when T-cells, which are white blood cells, change into malignant, cancerous cells. T-cells are one kind of lymphocyte, and your body's lymphocytes combat dangerous infections such as bacteria and viruses, but T-cells that have Mycosis fungoides change into cancer cells. Despite affecting your skin, mycosis fungoides is not the same as skin cancer since the malignant cells that develop are your T-cells, not the skin cells.   

The symptoms of Mycosis fungoides manifest in various phases, but not every person goes through all the stages, however, a rash is often the initial indication of the disease. 

• Premycotic Phase: A scaly rash appears and develops on body regions, including your lower abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and chest areas that are not exposed to the sun. 
• Patch phase: The surrounding skin of the rash becomes thin, similar to eczema, and it might be dry and irritating. 
• Plaque phase: Hard and tiny, raised pimples appear on the affected skin areas. 
• Tumor phase: Around the rash, tumors, elevated patches of skin that pierce deeper than plaques, start to appear.  

4. Rashes caused by Sezary Syndrome 

Sezary syndrome is an uncommon and rapidly progressing type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a type of skin cancer. You have malignant T lymphocytes (T-cells) in your lymph nodes and skin if you have Sezary syndrome and your skin turns red or darker than normal as a result of this cancer. A stinging, itchy rash is a common sign, and it is possible for the malignant cells in your blood to spread to other parts of your body.  

There's no known treatment for Sezary syndrome, although medical professionals can certainly help you manage your symptoms through various treatments. The most obvious symptom of Sezary syndrome is a characteristic red rash called erythroderma that hurts, peels, itches a lot and spreads swiftly. If you have dark skin, these types of rashes may appear brown, gray, or purple, so be mindful of that.  

5. Kaposi sarcoma Rashes 

Kaposi sarcoma is a type of soft tissue, and this cancer affects carriers of the uncommon virus human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) as well as those with compromised immune systems. The virus causes malignant cells to develop, and even though Kaposi sarcoma comes in many forms, all of them result in malignant rashes on people's skin.   

Rashes caused by Kaposi sarcoma can arise anywhere on your body, including in the mucosa lining your mouth, inside the nose, or under the skin's surface. The rashes look like red, brown, or purple patches or dots, and they may show up in several or just one location on your body.  

Final Remarks 

If you see rashes on your body, you should definitely consult a doctor because sometimes they can be signs of various types of cancers. However, you should know that many types of rashes are caused by allergies and infections, and go away with proper treatment, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you develop a persistent skin rash of any sort, consult a doctor, and if they give you tests to make sure the rashes are not caused by cancer, take the tests without delay. 

Call Pathkind Labs and book a slot for your test! The expert technicians of the test center use modern devices and top technology that provides accurate reports. You can also take your test at the comfort of your home, if you wish, because they have Home Collection Qualified Technicians who are trained for that.