“For this reason, it’s something people should be aware of. “While rare, itchiness can be associated with malignancies,” says Crombie. Once a patient begins treatment, the itchiness should go away. It is important to remember that itchiness is not a criterion for lymphoma staging and does not indicate a more or less favorable diagnosis. CTCL typically develops very slowly and, unlike cases of Hodgkin lymphoma, itchiness may be contained to the affected skin. CTCL is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that develops in abnormal T cells, white blood cells that are used to fight infections. People who experience scaly skin and red rashes may be exhibiting an early sign of mycosis fungoides or Sezary syndrome, which are forms of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). While it is still unclear as to why some patients experience itchiness, it is believed the cancer may trigger the release of substances, known as cytokines, in the body that cause the symptom. While lotions or antihistamines may help, patients often require treatment of their lymphoma to improve their symptoms. According to Jennifer Crombie, MD, an oncologist at the Center for Hematologic Oncology at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center (DF/BWCC), itchiness can be seen in up to 20% of diagnosed cases of Hodgkin lymphoma. Itching can be common in people with Hodgkin lymphoma as well as other lymphoid malignancies, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). There are two main types of lymphomas: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system. In some cases, itching has been reported alongside other symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer, including a thickening or pitting of breast skin, asymmetric swelling of the breasts, or one breast feeling heavier than the other. This symptom is more often caused by poor hygiene, or an allergic reaction to a product like soap, deodorant, or laundry detergent. Itching under the armpits is not commonly associated with any type of cancer. Rarely itching on the back can be due to a new skin cancer and if the itchy area is a changing mole or spot on the skin it is a good idea to see a dermatologist. What cancers can cause an itchy back?Īn itchy back is most commonly not due to cancer and instead is associated with dry skin or a reaction to a product such as a new laundry detergent. To identify the cause of itching all over the body, it is important to consult with your primary care physician or a dermatologist. However, itchiness is a very common symptom and can be associated with many different causes, from something as simple as dry skin to psoriasis. The symptoms of itchiness can also precede the diagnosis of cancer. In some instances, itchiness can be severe and localized throughout the body rather than in a single spot and can occur without an associated rash. What about itching without a rash or mole? Itchiness is often a sign that the immune system has ramped up in order to attack the cancer cells, according to Elizabeth Buchbinder, MD, an oncologist at the Center for Melanoma Oncology at DF/BWCC. If a biopsy confirms the mole is melanoma, the fact it was itchy can be indicative of a positive outlook. Contained itchy symptoms can also indicate other skin cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. A person with melanoma won’t experience itching throughout the body instead, it will be contained to the mole itself, and surgically removing it will relieve any itchiness. An itchy mole is considered a warning sign for melanoma and should be examined by a dermatologist. Melanoma is a type of cancer that originates in the melanocytes, cells that make the pigment melanin. This could be a sign of a squamous cell or basal cell skin carcinoma. Specifically, if itching presents along with changes in a mole, or the emergence of new moles, it is important to consult a dermatologist. Most skin cancers don’t cause itching, but anyone with a prolonged, unexplainable itch should consult either their primary care physician or a dermatologist. Which cancers can cause itching?Ĭancers that can be associated with itching include skin cancer, lymphoma, polycythemia vera (PV), certain gastrointestinal cancers, and melanoma. This symptom may occur because of complications of the disease, and itchy, flaky skin and rashes are common side effects of some cancer drugs. The good news is that itchy skin is typically not a sign of cancer. Got an itch that just won’t go away? Also known as pruritus (proo-rai-tuhs), itchy skin can have a wide variety of causes, including seasonal allergies and dry skin various skin conditions, such as eczema and even certain detergents and lotions. Some cancer treatments themselves may cause itching or rashes.Itching is rarely a sign that a person has cancer.
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