Skin cancer on the leg may start as a rough white patch or turn into a growing red bump. Learn the warning signs and when to see a podiatrist or dermatologist.
Skin cancer is often associated with the face, shoulders, or arms—but skin cancer can also develop on the legs, especially in areas exposed to the sun over time. Unfortunately, many people ignore early warning signs because the skin changes may seem minor at first.
In this article, we’ll explain what skin cancer on the leg can look like, including a common precancerous condition called actinic keratosis**, and how it may progress into squamous cell carcinoma.
What Does Skin Cancer on the Leg Look Like?
Skin cancer on the leg can appear in many forms, including:
* A white or pale patch
* A scaly or crusty spot
* A lesion that feels rough, like sandpaper
* A thickened area of skin
* A red bump that grows over time
* A sore that doesn’t heal
Sometimes skin cancer starts subtly, and patients may assume it is just dry skin, a rash, or irritation.
White or Rough Patches Could Be Actinic Keratosis
One of the most common early warning signs we see is a whitish or rough patch on the skin.
If you notice whiteness on top of a spot, especially on the leg, it may be actinic keratosis (AK).
Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin condition caused by long-term sun exposure. These lesions often develop slowly and may appear as:
* A white, pink, or reddish patch
* A dry, scaly surface
* A rough or crusty texture
* A spot that comes and goes
Many people describe it as a patch that “just won’t go away.”
Why Actinic Keratosis Should Be Taken Seriously
While actinic keratosis is not always cancer, it is considered a warning sign. AK lesions can potentially progress into a type of skin cancer known as **squamous cell carcinoma**.
That’s why early evaluation is important.
Even if the lesion looks small, actinic keratosis is a sign that the skin has been significantly damaged by UV exposure, and additional lesions may develop.
When Actinic Keratosis Turns Into Squamous Cell Carcinoma
In some cases, actinic keratosis can develop into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as:
* A big red bump
* A raised growth
* A thick, crusty patch
* A firm lump that keeps enlarging
* A sore that bleeds, scabs, and reopens
Patients often notice that the area becomes more irritated, more inflamed, or begins to grow rapidly.
A larger red bump on the leg, especially one that is new or changing, should never be ignored.
Warning Signs That You Should See a Doctor Immediately
You should schedule an evaluation with a podiatrist or dermatologist if you notice:
* A patch that is white and scaly
* A lesion that feels rough or crusty
* A spot that is getting thicker
* A bump that is red and growing
* Bleeding, tenderness, or pain
* A wound that does not heal within a few weeks
* A lesion that changes in size, shape, or color
Early diagnosis is key. Squamous cell carcinoma is very treatable when caught early, but it can become more serious if left untreated.
Why a Podiatrist Can Help
Many people don’t realize that podiatrists diagnose and treat skin conditions of the lower extremities every day—including suspicious lesions on the leg, ankle, and foot.
If you notice a concerning spot on your leg, your podiatrist can examine it and help determine whether further testing, treatment, or referral is needed.
Don’t Wait: Get Checked Now
If you see a spot on your leg with whiteness on top, rough scaling, or a big red bump, it may be more than just dry skin.
Actinic keratosis can be an early warning sign, and in some cases it can turn into squamous cell carcinoma.
The best step you can take is simple:
See your podiatrist or dermatologist now.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are concerned about a skin lesion on your leg, foot, or ankle, we can help.
Call (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) to schedule an appointment.
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