Which Cancers Can Cause Itchy Skin?

Itchy skin is very common, usually due to dryness or seasonal allergies. But a long-lasting itch can sometimes be an early warning sign of certain cancers.

“Some people describe it as a deep, persistent itch that is difficult to relieve. It may not improve with the usual treatments, such as skin creams or allergy medications,” said Aydah Al-Awadhi, MD, an oncologist at Sheikh Shakbout Medical City and a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

Blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma can cause widespread itching. It’s more common in lymphomas. The cancer cells and the immune cells that are trying to fight them release chemicals into the bloodstream. These chemicals travel through the body and irritate nerve endings, causing itching.

In a type of blood cancer called polycythemia vera, itching is often triggered by contact with water. In cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, the cancer cells build up in the skin and create red, scaly patches. Over time, itchiness can spread beyond these patches.

Liver, pancreatic, gallbladder, and bile duct tumors can cause itching by blocking bile ducts. When bile cannot drain normally, it builds up. As a result, bile salts collect under the skin and irritate the nerves. The itching is noticed most often on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Some cancers cause itching in just one area of the body. Squamous cell or basal cell skin cancers or melanoma of the skin can damage nearby nerve endings and make the area itch. Itching is often the first reason why someone notices a new or changed skin spot.

Certain rare breast cancers can cause itching in the breast. Inflammatory breast cancer blocks lymph vessels in the skin, causing fluid to build up. An itching or burning sensation results from the swelling. In Paget disease of the breast, cancer cells in the nipple cause a rough, scaly rash. The sensitive nerve endings become irritated, causing itching.

“The good news is that most itching is not related to cancer,” said Dr. Al-Awadhi. “Still, if symptoms persist or feel unusual, it is important not to ignore them.”

Talk to your doctor if itchy skin lasts more than 2 weeks, disrupts your sleep, or affects your whole body, even if you don’t see a rash or other skin change. You should also contact your doctor if you have itching along with yellow skin or eyes, swollen lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, severe night sweats, or a fever.

Learn more from the American Cancer Society:

• What Is Cancer?
• Signs and Symptoms of Cancer
• Finding Cancer Information on the Internet
• 3D Interactive Tour of the Skin

Dr. Al-Awadhi is a member of ASCO’s Patient Information Advisory Committee.