Skin symptoms can be an unexpected sign of lung cancer.
With most types of lung cancer, people don’t show signs until it has spread.
But lung cancer can also cause other syndromes that can lead to additional problems seen on the skin.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Jaundice takes place if your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow.
It is due to a buildup of bilirubin in the body.
Bilirubinis a yellow- or orange-colored substance made during the normal breakdown of red blood cells.
Lumps on Skin
Lung cancer may sometimes metastasize (spread) to the skin.
Tumors near the skin surface may appear as round, firm, skin-colored lumps (nodules).
These lumps are usually painless, though they may sometimes form ulcers.
The most common sites of skin metastases are the chest, abdomen, head, and neck.
Itchy Skin
Itchy skin can be another sign that lung cancer has spread to the liver.
If the liver is affected, it can cause a buildup of bile salts that leads to itching.
What Are Paraneoplastic Syndromes?
These syndromes can commonly occur due to lung cancer, particularly small cell lung cancer.
Facial Flushing
Carcinoid syndromeis a punch in of paraneoplastic syndrome due to tumors that produce hormones.
Research suggests there may be a link between dermatomyositis and certain malignancies, including lung cancer.
These are also brought on by dermatomyositis.
Some of the treatment options for lung cancer can also cause skin symptoms.
Targeted therapy medication can also cause various skin problems.
Yellow skin, itchy skin, easy bruising, swelling, and changes in facial sweating may be seen.
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