Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAppearanceOther Cancers Causing RashSeeing a ProviderSoothing a RashTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Appearance
Other Cancers Causing Rash
Seeing a Provider
Soothing a Rash
Treatment
Skin cancer rash can have a variety of appearances, while cancer-related red spots on skin can cause an itchy, red rash that looks similar to contact dermatitis, allergic reaction, and other causes of rash.
Continue reading to learn how a cancer rash looks. what cancers can cause itching, and if leukemia rash comes and goes.
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How a Skin Cancer Rash Looks
Skin canceris the most common type of cancer, and people of all skin tones can develop cancer, although people with fair skin areat the greatest risk.It has a variety of appearances and may mimicpsoriasisoreczema, but doesn’t cause a widespread rash.
Most skin cancers don’t cause a widespread or itchy rash, although they can be mistaken for other skin conditions, including psoriasis. Instead, they cause a sore that doesn’t heal or go away. This sore may appear as follows:
Basal cell carcinoma makes up 80% of skin cancers.This appears as a raised area that may be red, pink, or the color of your skin. They often—but not always—have visible blood vessels. At first, the spot may resemble psoriasis, dermatitis, or eczema. As the cancer progresses, the spot may ooze or bleed.
Anytime you have an area on your skin that is changing shape, you should see a healthcare provider. Skin cancer can take on a variety of appearances, and it’s best to get a professional opinion.Early detection is extremely importantfor treating skin cancer, so when in doubt, see a healthcare provider.
A Word From VerywellIf your rash is not going away or is worsening, it is best to see a board-certified dermatologist who can help to evaluate the rash and consider a biopsy (removing a sample of skin for analysis in a lab) to determine if the rash is skin cancer.—MARISA GARSHICK, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
If your rash is not going away or is worsening, it is best to see a board-certified dermatologist who can help to evaluate the rash and consider a biopsy (removing a sample of skin for analysis in a lab) to determine if the rash is skin cancer.—MARISA GARSHICK, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
If your rash is not going away or is worsening, it is best to see a board-certified dermatologist who can help to evaluate the rash and consider a biopsy (removing a sample of skin for analysis in a lab) to determine if the rash is skin cancer.
—MARISA GARSHICK, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Other Types of Cancer and Rash
Other types of cancer, includingleukemiaandlymphoma, can cause widespread rashes on the skin.Here’s what those cancer-related rashes may look like.
Leukemia Petechiae
Leukemia petechiaeis a rash that people with leukemia often experience on their arms, legs, or trunk. Petechiae are tiny spots that appear red, purple, or brown. They occur when a blood vessel breaks open under the skin, which happens more commonly in people withleukemiabecause they have a low blood platelet count.
Leukemia petechiae often resembles atopic dermatitis, a common skin rash. However, it is not typically itchy. If you press on the red spots, they will remain red, whereas most rashes that don’t involve petechiae will blanch (turn a lighter color).If you have petechiae, see your healthcare provider. Although it’s not always a sign of cancer, it can be a sign of other serious illnesses.
Lymphoma
A rare type oflymphoma(cancer of thelymphatic system) calledmycosis fungoidescan also cause skin rash. This rash appears as a scaly, itchy rash that may eventually cover the entire body.Symptoms of mycosis fungoidesinclude:
If left untreated, this can progress to tumors on the body, and other serious symptoms of cancer, including fever, fatigue, and vision changes.
Should You Have a Provider Examine Your Rash?
In most cases rashes will resolve on their own. In some cases, they can indicate an allergy or an ongoing autoimmune condition like psoriasis or eczema. In others, they may indicate cancer.
Because skin rashes often look similar, you should see your healthcare provider if you have a rash that doesn’t go away. In particular, see a healthcare provider if your rash:
How to Soothe Rash Symptoms
Talk with your healthcare provider about how to soothe pain or itching associated with your rash. In many cases,treatments for itchy skinmay help. These include:
Treatments for Confirmed Skin Cancer With Rash
If your healthcare provider has confirmed a cancer diagnosis, the treatment path will depend on the type of cancer and how much it has progressed.Skin cancer treatmentsinclude removing the cancerous cells.
Treatments for other cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma, vary widely and depend on your cancer, its staging, and your health history. It’s important to find a treatment team that you trust, and always ask for a second opinion regarding any major medical decisions or treatment options.
Treatment Effectiveness and Prognosis
Like your course of treatment, the effectiveness and your long-term prognosis will vary widely based on the type of cancer and how far it has spread. Talk with your team, and ask them questions about your long-term health.
Remember, although cancer is a less common cause of a skin rash, early treatment is very important. If you’re concerned about a cancer-related skin rash, call your healthcare provider.
Summary
A rash that doesn’t heal or go away can be a sign of cancer. Skin cancer causes painful ulcers or growths that may be mistaken for psoriasis or eczema. These rashes are often in one spot. Other cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma, can cause red, sometimes itchy rashes on the trunk and limbs.
Anytime you have a rash that doesn’t go away after four weeks, see your healthcare provider. Early detection is very important for treating cancer and achieving the best possible prognosis.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Cancer Society.Skin cancer image gallery.Moffitt Cancer Center.Can rashes be a sign of cancer?Nov. 4, 2020.Moffitt Cancer Center.Symptoms of Leukemia.Stanford Medicine.Mycosis fungoides: A rash that can be cancer.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Mycosis fungoides.Cancer Research UK.Skin cancer symptoms.Twycross R, Greaves MW, Handwerker H, et al.Itch: Scratching more than the surface.QJM. 2003;96(1):7-26. doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcg002
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Cancer Society.Skin cancer image gallery.Moffitt Cancer Center.Can rashes be a sign of cancer?Nov. 4, 2020.Moffitt Cancer Center.Symptoms of Leukemia.Stanford Medicine.Mycosis fungoides: A rash that can be cancer.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Mycosis fungoides.Cancer Research UK.Skin cancer symptoms.Twycross R, Greaves MW, Handwerker H, et al.Itch: Scratching more than the surface.QJM. 2003;96(1):7-26. doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcg002
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Cancer Society.Skin cancer image gallery.Moffitt Cancer Center.Can rashes be a sign of cancer?Nov. 4, 2020.Moffitt Cancer Center.Symptoms of Leukemia.Stanford Medicine.Mycosis fungoides: A rash that can be cancer.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Mycosis fungoides.Cancer Research UK.Skin cancer symptoms.Twycross R, Greaves MW, Handwerker H, et al.Itch: Scratching more than the surface.QJM. 2003;96(1):7-26. doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcg002
American Cancer Society.Skin cancer image gallery.
Moffitt Cancer Center.Can rashes be a sign of cancer?Nov. 4, 2020.
Moffitt Cancer Center.Symptoms of Leukemia.
Stanford Medicine.Mycosis fungoides: A rash that can be cancer.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Mycosis fungoides.
Cancer Research UK.Skin cancer symptoms.
Twycross R, Greaves MW, Handwerker H, et al.Itch: Scratching more than the surface.QJM. 2003;96(1):7-26. doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcg002
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