MySkinCancerTeam

Yes, skin cancer tumors can absolutely be found on the legs. The lower legs are actually one of the most common locations for certain types of skin cancer, like squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ… read more

Yes, skin cancer tumors can absolutely be found on the legs. The lower legs are actually one of the most common locations for certain types of skin cancer, like squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ. That stabbing, hot pain on the right side of your neck is something to take seriously. Skin cancer can sometimes grow into nearby nerves, causing sensations like:

- Sharp or stabbing pain
- Burning or hot feelings
- Numbness or tingling
- A pins-and-needles sensation

The neck is also a common area where skin cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes, which are small glands that help your immune system. This can sometimes cause pain or discomfort in that area.

Please don't wait on this — reach out to your dermatologist or doctor as soon as possible to have both the leg and neck checked out. Early attention really does make a big difference with skin cancer.

MySkinCancerTeam

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cannot turn into melanoma — they are different types of skin cancer that develop from different cells. However, having SCC does increase the risk of developing other… read more

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cannot turn into melanoma — they are different types of skin cancer that develop from different cells. However, having SCC does increase the risk of developing other forms of skin cancer, including melanoma, later in life. So staying vigilant is really important! As for what happens when SCC goes untreated, it's not a situation where things stay the same — the cancer tends to keep growing and can cause serious problems over time. Here's what untreated SCC can lead to:

- Continued growth — The tumor gets larger and grows deeper into the skin
- Tissue damage — It can spread into nearby tissues
- Painful symptoms — The area may become tender, bleed, ulcerate, or feel itchy/numb
- Spreading — In some cases, SCC can spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body
- Disfigurement — Advanced SCC can affect appearance, especially on the face or neck
- Life-threatening — In rare cases, untreated SCC can become deadly

The good news is that when caught and treated early, most people have very good outcomes. Regular skin checks and prompt attention to any unusual skin changes make a huge difference.

Talking to a dermatologist as soon as possible if anything looks or feels off is always the best move.

MySkinCancerTeam

Pain from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can vary quite a bit from person to person. In early stages, some people feel nothing at all and only notice a new or changing spot on their skin. Others may… read more

Pain from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can vary quite a bit from person to person. In early stages, some people feel nothing at all and only notice a new or changing spot on their skin. Others may experience:

- Burning or stinging
- Itching or tenderness
- Numbness or a pins-and-needles feeling
- Mild to moderate pain

Interestingly, itchiness tends to be more commonly reported than pain in the early stages. As SCC progresses, pain generally gets worse. If the tumor grows deeper into the skin, it can start to affect nerves, fat tissue, muscles, and even bone — which can cause more significant pain, numbness, or difficulty moving nearby body parts.

A growing SCC may also become:

- Ulcerated (open and sore)
- More prone to bleeding
- Increasingly tender to the touch

Tumors on sensitive areas like the face, ears, lips, or scalp can be especially painful because of the nerves in those regions. The key takeaway is that early treatment can often prevent SCC from reaching the more painful, advanced stages. It's worth flagging any changes — even painless ones — to a dermatologist sooner rather than later, since waiting doesn't do any favors when it comes to SCC.

MySkinCancerTeam

The available information doesn't cover a direct connection between Lynch syndrome and skin cancer. Lynch syndrome is primarily associated with colorectal and other internal cancers, and isn't listed… read more

The available information doesn't cover a direct connection between Lynch syndrome and skin cancer. Lynch syndrome is primarily associated with colorectal and other internal cancers, and isn't listed among the genetic conditions known to significantly raise skin cancer risk.

The genetic conditions most closely linked to increased skin cancer risk include:

- Gorlin syndrome – causes multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCC)
- Xeroderma pigmentosum – makes skin extremely sensitive to UV light, raising skin cancer risk dramatically
- Albinism – lack of melanin increases UV vulnerability

If there's a concern about a personal genetic risk and skin cancer, speaking with a dermatologist or genetic counselor would be the best next step. They can review any genetic history and recommend an appropriate skin monitoring plan.

MySkinCancerTeam

It's great that you're being proactive and getting those spots checked out today — that's exactly the right move!

Regarding Lynch syndrome and skin cancer, the research is still emerging. Lynch… read more

It's great that you're being proactive and getting those spots checked out today — that's exactly the right move!

Regarding Lynch syndrome and skin cancer, the research is still emerging. Lynch syndrome is primarily known for increasing the risk of certain internal cancers, but some studies have begun exploring a possible connection to skin cancers, particularly sebaceous skin tumors (tumors of the oil glands). However, the direct link to melanoma specifically is still being studied and isn't yet fully established. What is well understood is that having had a melanoma removed already puts you in a higher-risk category for developing additional skin cancers. Here's what's generally recommended for someone in your situation:

- Regular full-body skin exams with a dermatologist — possibly more frequent than once a year given your history
- Self-checks at home to monitor for new, changing, or unusual spots
- Prompt reporting of any lesions that are new, painful, or not healing

Since you have a complex health history, it's really worth asking your dermatologist and oncologist to coordinate on how your Lynch syndrome diagnosis might factor into your skin cancer monitoring plan. They can tailor advice based on your full picture.

Good luck at your appointment today! 🤞

MySkinCancerTeam

Great question — and the good news is that surgery isn't always the only option! Whether a chemo cream (like fluorouracil) is suitable really depends on the type and stage of your skin cancer.

For… read more

Great question — and the good news is that surgery isn't always the only option! Whether a chemo cream (like fluorouracil) is suitable really depends on the type and stage of your skin cancer.

For basal cell carcinoma (BCC), topical chemotherapy creams can be an option, but typically only for superficial (surface-level) tumors. For squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), topical treatments are less commonly used, and surgery is more often recommended. Your doctor will consider several factors before recommending a treatment path:

- Tumor size and depth — Smaller, shallower tumors are better candidates for topical treatments
- Location on the body — Some areas are trickier to treat without surgery
- Type of skin cancer — BCC vs. SCC matters a lot here
- Your overall health — This can influence which treatments are safe for you

It's absolutely worth having a conversation with your dermatologist or skin cancer specialist about your preference to try a topical treatment first. They can tell you whether it's a safe and effective option for your specific situation. Early treatment in any form tends to lead to the best outcomes!