However, other causes of itching are more common.
It’s uncertain exactly how often itching occurs as a symptom or first symptom of cancer.
A 2019 study explored how often those with itching had cancer compared to individuals without itching.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
The cancers that were most commonly associated with itching included:
The researchers also divided patients by race.
Signs of cancer-related itching may include:
Cancers That Cause Itching
Several cancers can cause itchy skin.
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a primary cutaneous lymphoma (meaning it starts in the skin).
It is a rare cancer that begins in the T cells (a white blood cell).
It can lead to rash-like redness, scaly patches or plaques, and tumors.
The most common throw in of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is calledmycosis fungoides.
Myelodysplastic syndromes and chronic myeloproliferative disorders are considered types of cancer.
Some myelodysplastic syndromes progress to leukemia.
Skin Cancers
Skin cancer often causes itching.
This can cause diffuse itching.
When bile flow is impaired or altered, it is known as cholestasis.
Cholestasis and Pregnancy
If you are pregnant and experience severe itchiness, see your healthcare provider.
It may be due to a pop in of cholestasis that can happen during the second half of pregnancy.
Vulvar Cancer and Anal Cancer
Genital itching is more likely due to other causes than cancer.
However, itching may be a symptom ofvulvar canceror anal cancer.
Itching may also be present.
Paget disease of the breast:This cancer primarily affects the nipple and areola of one breast.
Symptoms may resemble eczema at first, and the nipple may appear scaly or red.
Itching and burning are additional symptoms.
This cancer is often found alongside other forms of breast cancer.
In adults, they are most commonly found in the GI tract and are called GI NETs.
However, in adults, NETs are more likely to spread.
NETs can cause a condition called carcinoid syndrome.Skin flushingand itching can occur with carcinoid syndrome.
The body contains several nerve endings that cause itching, similar to pain receptors that cause pain.
In general, anything that irritates these nerve endings can cause itching.
These inflammatory skin conditions can feel itchy.
Bile salt buildup:Bile is a digestive liquid produced by the liver and mostly made of bile salts.
Paraneoplastic syndromes:These are symptoms that occur away from the tumor or cancer’s location on the body.
It is thought that chemicals secreted by tumors or an antibody reaction against the tumors cause the symptoms.
Paraneoplastic syndromes encompass a wide variety of symptoms and conditions.
Whenparaneoplastic syndromesaffect the skin, itching is the most common symptom.
Cancer Treatments and Itching
The majority of cancer treatments have itching as a potential side effect.
Additionally, many medications used to help alleviate cancer symptoms can also cause itching.
Oftentimes, treatment of the underlying cancer reduces itching.
However, this isn’t always possible, such as with advanced cancers.
It can take some time to sort out the itching.
Managing the itchiness depends on the cause, and your healthcare provider can help ensure effective treatments.
Non-Cancerous Causes of Itching
Several other health conditions can cause itchy skin.
Individuals may experience itching due to dry skin or other conditions such as eczema.
Sometimes, mental health conditions such asstress or anxietycan lead to itchy skin.
Additionally, conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and parasitic infections can also cause itchy skin.
Summary
Itching is usually due to something other than cancer.
However, it can sometimes be a symptom of cancer or a side effect of cancer treatment.
Itching can occur for many different reasons in those with cancer.
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