Leg cancer manifestation and additional details
In the realm of skin cancer, three types are most prevalent: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Each of these cancers presents unique symptoms on the leg, and it's essential to be aware of them.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is a cancer of the squamous cells, often appearing on the legs, even in areas not exposed to the sun, particularly in individuals with darker skin tones. SCC lesions can manifest as rough, scaly red patches that may crust or bleed, firm, red nodules or open sores that do not heal, wart-like growths or thickened skin, ulcers with hard, raised edges sometimes developing from pre-cancerous actinic keratoses (dry, scaly patches), intermittent bleeding or slow-growing reddish plaques. If left untreated, SCC can spread and invade underlying tissues.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is less common on the legs but can occur. It arises from basal cells in the epidermis and shows symptoms such as small, shiny, pearly-white or translucent lumps, red or scaly patches, waxy or flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesions, sores that bleed easily and may develop into ulcers, and white patches or spots sometimes appearing. BCC is usually slow-growing with minimal risk of spread but can cause local skin damage if untreated.
Melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, arises in the pigment-producing melanocytes and can appear anywhere, including the leg. Symptoms include new or changing moles or pigmented spots, large brown spots with darker speckles, moles that change shape or color, or develop irregular borders. Melanoma is likely to spread and requires immediate medical attention.
Bowen’s disease, a pre-cancerous condition, also appears on the legs as a red, scaly patch that may itch. If caught early, it's treatable.
When faced with potential skin cancer symptoms, a doctor will perform a physical examination and take a full medical and family history. If they suspect skin cancer, they will order a skin biopsy, which is the only definitive way to diagnose the condition.
It's crucial to watch for persistent, changing, or non-healing lesions on the leg and consult a dermatologist promptly for diagnosis and treatment. The 'ugly duckling' indicator can help identify melanomas. Most of a person's moles look the same, and any new dissimilar-looking moles, or ugly ducklings, may indicate a melanoma.
Protecting oneself from UV rays is the best way to reduce the risk of skin cancer. This can be achieved by applying sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, seeking shade, and covering up the legs outdoors. Regular self-examinations can also help in early detection.
Remember, skin cancer can appear anywhere on the body and as a new growth or a change in an existing growth. Treatment for skin cancer will depend on the stage and location of the disease. If you notice a new growth, a sore that does not heal, or a change in an existing mole, consult a doctor immediately.
[1] Skin Cancer Foundation. (n.d.). Basal Cell Carcinoma. Retrieved from https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma
[2] American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/diseases/skin-cancer/types/squamous-cell-carcinoma
[3] Cancer Research UK. (n.d.). Melanoma. Retrieved from https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/skin-cancer/melanoma
[4] Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Bowen's disease. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bowens-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20374461
[5] American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Skin Cancer: Signs and Symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer/signs-and-symptoms.html
- If left untreated, Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) can invade underlying tissues and potentially spread.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) can cause local skin damage if left untreated and may appear as small, shiny, pearly-white or translucent lumps or red or scaly patches.
- Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, arising in the pigment-producing melanocytes, and can appear anywhere on the body, including the leg.
- Bowen’s disease, a pre-cancerous condition, appears on the legs as a red, scaly patch that may itch.
- A doctor will perform a physical examination, take a full medical and family history, and order a skin biopsy if they suspect skin cancer due to persistent, changing, or non-healing lesions.
- UV rays exposure can lead to skin cancer, so it's crucial to protect oneself by applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30, seeking shade, and covering up the legs outdoors.
- Regular self-examinations can help in early detection of potential skin cancer symptoms, like an ugly duckling - a new, dissimilar-looking mole.
- Science and medical-conditions research, such as the Skin Cancer Foundation, the American Academy of Dermatology, Cancer Research UK, Mayo Clinic, and the American Cancer Society, can provide valuable information on different types of skin cancer, their symptoms, and treatments.
- Depression and anxiety are common mental-health issues that can affect individuals with various medical-conditions, including some skin-care concerns like skin cancer and colitis.
- Obesity can contribute to other health-and-wellness problems, such as asthma and Alzheimer's disease, in addition to increasing the risk of developing degenerative joint diseases. Furthermore, being overweight can worsen previously diagnosed medical-conditions, like colitis, and lower the immune system resistance to metastatic cancers.
