The skin is the human body’s largest organ. Various changes on the outside, in the skin, can reflect the state of the internal organs and, thus, the body’s overall health. Paying attention to what’s happening on the skin can help us detect more severe conditions lurking beneath its surface. Even cancer can be detected and treated early.

Some skin diseases can be considered potential precursors to cancer or may be related to cancer. These types of skin diseases include the following:

Some types of cancer can manifest as early symptoms or initial lesions on the skin. Here are some common types of cancer and their possible manifestations on the skin:

Many cancers can spread to the skin during a process known as cutaneous metastasis. If the cancer cells spread to the skin, the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body, so cutaneous metastasis is usually considered a manifestation of late-stage disease.

Here are some types of cancer that may have cutaneous metastasis:

These are just some common cancers, though others may also spread to the skin. If you notice unusual nodules, lumps, ulcers, or other changes on your skin, consult your doctor for evaluation and further diagnosis. Early detection and treatment of cutaneous metastasis are crucial for cancer management.