Does Skin Cancer Itch?

An itchy spot on your skin usually isn’t cause for alarm. Dry skin, bug bites and irritation are the most likely causes.

But there are times when skin cancer can cause itchiness. 

“Most itchy moles or patches of skin aren’t cancerous,” says oncologist James Isaacs, MD. “But if itching comes with other skin changes — like bleeding, crusting or a changing mole — it’s worth getting checked out.

Dr. Isaacs explains when itchy skin may be related to skin cancer and what other symptoms to watch for.

Can skin cancer be itchy?

Yes, skin cancer can sometimes itch.

Cancer causes inflammation, and inflammation attracts immune cells. Immune cells release substances that can irritate nearby nerves and skin tissue — and irritation can make you itchy.

“All skin cancers can have an itchy component because of that inflammatory component,” Dr. Isaacs confirms.

But itchiness alone usually isn’t necessarily a red flag that points to skin cancer. And it’s not among the most common symptoms.

More likely symptoms

When it comes to skin cancer, itching is usually just one part of a bigger picture.

“If an itchy spot is related to skin cancer, you’ll likely notice other changes in your skin, too,” Dr. Isaacs says.

Warning signs may include:

• A new mole or growth
• A spot that changes in size, shape or color
• Bleeding or oozing
• Crusting or scabbing
• Open sores that don’t heal
• Pain or tenderness
• Red or inflamed patches of skin

What types of skin cancer are itchy?

Different types of skin cancer come with different symptoms. And some kinds of skin cancer are more likely to cause itching than others. Dr. Isaacs explains the differences.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most invasive and dangerous form of skin cancer — and it’s less likely to itch than some other types.

Healthcare providers often use the “ABCDE” rule for identifying skin changes and moles that could point to melanoma:

• Asymmetry, or having an uneven shape
• Borders that are ragged or poorly defined
• Color that isn’t consistent or that’s blue, gray, red, black or white
• Diameter larger than a pencil eraser (6 millimeters)
• Evolution, or noticeable changes over time

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma causes cancerous lumps, bumps or lesions, which can be itchy. They may also be:

• Dry
• Crusty
• Irritated
• Painful
• Prone to bleeding
• Rough

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common kind of skin cancer, and it can itch or become irritated over time. 

“Basal cell carcinoma typically looks like a small, sometimes shiny bump or scaly flat patch on your skin, Dr. Isaacs notes. “These spots can look very fleshy or red.”

You may notice:

• Pearly or shiny bumps
• Pink or reddish patches
• Sores that ooze or bleed

When to see a doctor

Again, most itchy skin is not skin cancer. But you should see a healthcare provider if an itchy area:

• Doesn’t heal
• Continues to change
• Bleeds or gets crusty
• Becomes painful
• Keeps coming back
• Looks different from the skin around it

And while scratching may temporarily relieve itching, repeatedly picking at a spot can make irritation worse. It can also make skin changes harder for your provider to evaluate.

“The more you scratch, the harder it can become to figure out what’s going on,” Dr. Isaacs says. “Is it really the itching that’s causing you to scratch, or did the act of scratching make it more irritated?”

An itchy area is likely your body trying to tell you something. Whether it’s sounding the alarm for skin cancer isn’t guaranteed — or even likely. But it’s still worth listening to.