Both psoriasis and skin cancer cause changes in the skin’s appearance. Although symptoms may be similar, some factors can help a person distinguish between the two diseases.
Psoriasis is a condition in which skin cells build up, causing dry, scaly, and itchy patches of skin.
Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells. It usually develops due to excess sun exposure. UV rays can damage the DNA in skin cells, changing how they grow and divide.
Distinct types of psoriasis and skin cancer cause different symptoms. Some can look similar, but there are ways to tell them apart.
Although this depends on the type, skin cancer usually develops in areas exposed to sunlight, such as the face, the back of the neck, the shoulders, hands, ears, scalp, and back.
Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, for example:
- scalp psoriasis develops in 60% of people with psoriasis
- facial lesions develop in about 50% of people with psoriasis
- plaque psoriasis develops in 80% of people with psoriasis and commonly develops on the knees, elbows, scalp, belly button, and lower back
Age can play a key role in distinguishing between the two types of disease. Although psoriasis can appear at any age, doctors often diagnose it in people ages 15 to 25 years. The symptoms can then peak again between the ages of
Psoriasis types and common symptoms
There are five types of psoriasis:
| Type | Symptoms | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Plaque psoriasis | A person will develop red, pink, gray, or violet patches of raised skin with silvery scales. | They often appear on the scalp, knees, elbows, and torso. They can also affect both sides of the body symmetrically. |
| Guttate psoriasis | It appears as small, round dots to appear across the body. They can be raised and scaly. | They often appear on the arms, legs, and torso. They can also develop on the face, ears, and scalp, |
| Inverse psoriasis | This causes smooth patches along the folds in the skin. | Inverse psoriasis develops in the armpits, groin, under the breasts, and other skin folds. |
| Pustular psoriasis | White or yellow blisters form on the skin. | They often develop on the hands and feet. |
| Erythrodermic psoriasis | It causes a rash to develop. | The rash can develop throughout the body. |
Pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis are less common types of psoriasis. The early symptoms are very different, so people are unlikely to confuse these types with skin cancer.
Skin cancer and identifying features
The following table outlines
| Type | Symptoms | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Basal and squamous cell carcinoma | Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) causes a flesh-colored growth, a pearl-like bump, or, on lighter skin, a pinkish patch. A scar-like area or a sore that does not heal can also occur. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) causes a bump that is firm and scaly. A sore that heals and reopens may also develop. It can also cause: • scaly patches • open sores • skin that appears thickened and wart-like • raised growths that dip in the center | BCCs commonly appear on the head, neck, and arms. They can also appear on the chest, abdomen, legs, and other areas. SCC often appears on sun-exposed parts of the skin, such as the: • face • neck • arms • chest • back • rim of the ear |
| Skin lymphoma | A person may develop scaly lesions that can be: • itchy • red to purple in color • small and pimple-like • flat • thick, raised, or lowered • larger lumps or bumps underneath the skin Larger lesions may break open. | They often appear in areas of skin that do not usually get sun exposure. A rash can appear over some or most of the body. |
| Kaposi sarcoma | A person may develop lesions that are: • purple, red, or brown in color • flat but slightly raised, called plaques • bumps, called nodules | The lesions |
| Merkel cell carcinoma | Merkel cell carcinoma can present in many different ways. For example, it can appear similar to: • a pimple • an insect bite • a sore • a stye • a cyst It often grows quickly and can be pink, red, or purple in color. | It often starts on areas of skin that get sun exposure, including the following: • face • neck • arms • legs |
| Melanoma | A new dark spot or change in an existing mole. There are also amelanotic melanomas, which are not dark in color. | Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body. |
A change in a mole can be an early symptom of melanoma. The American Academy of Dermatology encourages people to monitor their moles for any changes using the ABCDE method:
- Asymmetry: The two halves of the mole begin to look uneven.
- Border: The edge of the mole becomes irregular.
- Color: One part of the mole has a different tint from the rest of it.
- Diameter: The mole grows larger than 6 millimeters.
- Evolving: Over time, the mole changes in size, shape, or color.
A person can find images of different types of skin cancer using the American Cancer Society’s
Although it can be possible to differentiate between psoriasis and skin cancer, a person should speak with a doctor for a thorough examination and accurate diagnosis.
Anyone with symptoms of either psoriasis or skin cancer should contact a doctor. Effective treatments exist for both diseases, and receiving treatment earlier can reduce the long-term health effects of each condition.
A doctor will carefully examine the affected areas of the skin and run some tests. They will also ask about symptoms, such as when the appearance of the skin started to change and how the changes have evolved.
The doctor may also ask about risk factors, such as a family history of either disease.
They may then refer a person to a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin issues, including psoriasis and skin cancer.
The dermatologist can conduct further examinations and tests, and they may order a skin biopsy. This involves taking a sample of affected skin so a laboratory can test it for various diseases, including cancer.
Doctors usually prescribe topical creams to treat psoriasis, though people with more severe symptoms may need to take systemic medications.
Some people with psoriasis also benefit from phototherapy, which exposes the skin to UV light. A doctor will carefully assess the possible increased risk of skin cancer before recommending this course of treatment for psoriasis.
Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type and how far it has progressed. A doctor may recommend surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, genetics may play a part in the development of psoriasis. Psoriasis affects males and females equally, and it is more common in white people.
While a person cannot prevent psoriasis, they can reduce the severity of symptoms and the number of times symptoms flare up. It can help to avoid triggers, such as stress and tobacco.
A person has a
- light skin
- skin that burns, freckles, or becomes painful in the sun
- blond or red hair
- blue or green eyes
- particular types of moles
- a large number of moles
- a family history or personal history of skin cancer
- a history of tanning or sunburns
It is very important to treat skin cancer as soon as it is discovered. Without treatment, skin cancer can spread to distant parts of the body and can be fatal.
Psoriasis can also worsen if a person does not receive treatment, which can negatively affect their quality of life. It can also increase the risk of developing a comorbidity, which is a condition or disease that develops as a result of, or is related to, a health condition. Potential comorbidities of psoriasis include:
- psoriatic arthritis
- cardiovascular disease
- metabolic syndrome
- type 2 diabetes
- anxiety and depression
- inflammatory bowel disease
- kidney disease
Learn more about untreated psoriasis.
It is important for people to check their skin regularly for changes. If they suspect they have symptoms of skin cancer or psoriasis, they should seek medical advice.
A person’s outlook for skin cancer depends on the type and stage.
For example, BCC and SCC are highly treatable if a person receives an early diagnosis and prompt treatment. The overall 5-year relative survival rate for localized melanoma is
A person can reduce their risk of UV damage by:
- using sunscreen
- avoiding sun exposure during the hottest part of the day, between
11 a.m. and 3 p.m . - wearing a hat and long sleeves when outdoors
Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition. With the right treatment, a person can manage their symptoms and reduce the effects on their daily life. Moderate to severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
Psoriasis and skin cancer both change the outer layer of the skin.
Symptoms can appear similar, depending on the type of skin cancer or psoriasis. If a person experiences symptoms of either condition, they should contact a doctor.
Doctors can treat or manage psoriasis and skin cancer. Receiving treatment early on can lead to a better outcome.