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Itisha Arya

Do You Have Persistent Itching? It Could Be Linked To These 4 Cancers

persistent itching cancer

Itchy skin is something most of us deal with occasionally, and in many cases, it is harmless. Everyday triggers such as rough clothing, insect bites, or dry winter air can all leave the skin irritated. <span>Itching</span> is also commonly linked to skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

That said, an oncologist has pointed out that persistent itching can, in some cases, be linked to certain cancers. In a TikTok video, Dr Amit Garg, a cancer specialist based in California, explained that itching can appear as a symptom in four specific types of cancer. While itching alone is not usually a cause for concern, it may become more meaningful when it occurs alongside other symptoms that should be checked by a GP.

<h2>1. <span rel="noindex">Hodgkin Lymphoma</span></h2>

Hodgkin lymphoma is a relatively rare cancer that affects lymphocytes, the white blood cells that help the body fight infection. Dr Garg explained that this cancer can cause “severe, widespread itching,” which often becomes worse at night. The NHS also lists itchy skin as a possible symptom, along with:

<ul><li>A painless lump or swelling, usually in the neck, armpit, or groin, which is the most common sign</li><li>Pain in the glands of the neck, armpit, or groin after drinking alcohol</li><li>A high temperature</li><li>Night sweats</li><li>Shortness of breath</li><li>Sudden, unexplained weight loss</li></ul>

The NHS advises seeing a GP if you notice any of these symptoms. Although they are common and do not always point to Hodgkin lymphoma, it is important to rule it out. Early diagnosis improves the chances of successful treatment, so symptoms should not be ignored.

<h2>2. <span rel="noindex">Polycythemia Vera</span></h2>

Polycythemia vera is a rare, slow-developing blood cancer. According to the NHS, it is most often caused by a change in the JAK2 gene, which leads the bone marrow to produce too many red blood cells. An increased concentration of red blood cells is known as erythrocytosis, although having this condition does not automatically mean cancer.

One symptom of erythrocytosis can be itchy skin, particularly after bathing or showering. You should speak to a GP if symptoms persist. Other signs may include:

<ul><li>Headaches</li><li>Blurred vision</li><li>Reddened skin, especially on the face, hands, and feet</li><li>Tiredness</li><li>High blood pressure</li><li>Dizziness</li><li>Discomfort in the abdomen</li><li>Confusion</li><li>Bleeding issues such as nosebleeds or bruising</li><li>Gout, which can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling</li></ul>

<h3>3. <span rel="noindex">Gallbladder And Pancreatic Cancer</span></h3>

Gallbladder cancer and pancreatic cancer often share similar symptoms. These can include a reduced appetite, unintentional weight loss, fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhoea or constipation.

Dr Garg explained that both cancers can cause “intense itching,” which happens when bile salts build up under the skin. The NHS also lists itching as a symptom for both conditions, noting it may occur alongside darker urine, paler stools, and jaundice, which can cause yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes.

One key difference between the two cancers is the type of pain experienced. Gallbladder cancer may cause a dull ache on the right side of the abdomen, while pancreatic cancer more commonly causes pain in the upper abdomen and back, which can worsen after eating or when lying down.

In both cases, you should see a GP if symptoms last longer than two weeks or if you have lost weight without trying. You should call 111 if vomiting lasts more than two days, diarrhoea continues for more than seven days, or if your skin turns yellow.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a form of skin lymphoma and a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It begins in the T cells of the skin and often appears as flat, red patches that may be itchy.

In its early stages, these patches can resemble common skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Seeing a GP is important if symptoms develop, as they can assess whether it is a common skin issue or something more serious.

Cancer Research UK states that around 150 people in the UK are diagnosed with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma each year, making it a rare cancer. As with many cancers, early diagnosis can play a key role in improving treatment outcomes.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

itching

cancers that cause itching

persistent itching causes

itchy skin cancer symptom

Hodgkin Lymphoma

Polycythemia Vera

Gallbladder And Pancreatic Cancer

Cutaneous T cell Lymphoma

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Itchy skin is something most of us deal with occasionally, and in many cases, it is harmless. Everyday triggers such as rough clothing, insect bites, or dry winter air can all leave the skin irritated. Itching is also commonly linked to skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.That said, an oncologist has pointed out that persistent itching can, in some cases, be linked to certain cancers. In a TikTok video, Dr Amit Garg, a cancer specialist based in California, explained that itching can appear as a symptom in four specific types of cancer. While itching alone is not usually a cause for concern, it may become more meaningful when it occurs alongside other symptoms that should be checked by a GP.1. Hodgkin LymphomaHodgkin lymphoma is a relatively rare cancer that affects lymphocytes, the white blood cells that help the body fight infection. Dr Garg explained that this cancer can cause “severe, widespread itching,” which often becomes worse at night. The NHS also lists itchy skin as a possible symptom, along with:A painless lump or swelling, usually in the neck, armpit, or groin, which is the most common signPain in the glands of the neck, armpit, or groin after drinking alcoholA high temperatureNight sweatsShortness of breathSudden, unexplained weight lossThe NHS advises seeing a GP if you notice any of these symptoms. Although they are common and do not always point to Hodgkin lymphoma, it is important to rule it out. Early diagnosis improves the chances of successful treatment, so symptoms should not be ignored.2. Polycythemia VeraPolycythemia vera is a rare, slow-developing blood cancer. According to the NHS, it is most often caused by a change in the JAK2 gene, which leads the bone marrow to produce too many red blood cells. An increased concentration of red blood cells is known as erythrocytosis, although having this condition does not automatically mean cancer.One symptom of erythrocytosis can be itchy skin, particularly after bathing or showering. You should speak to a GP if symptoms persist. Other signs may include:HeadachesBlurred visionReddened skin, especially on the face, hands, and feetTirednessHigh blood pressureDizzinessDiscomfort in the abdomenConfusionBleeding issues such as nosebleeds or bruisingGout, which can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling3. Gallbladder And Pancreatic CancerGallbladder cancer and pancreatic cancer often share similar symptoms. These can include a reduced appetite, unintentional weight loss, fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhoea or constipation.Dr Garg explained that both cancers can cause “intense itching,” which happens when bile salts build up under the skin. The NHS also lists itching as a symptom for both conditions, noting it may occur alongside darker urine, paler stools, and jaundice, which can cause yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes.One key difference between the two cancers is the type of pain experienced. Gallbladder cancer may cause a dull ache on the right side of the abdomen, while pancreatic cancer more commonly causes pain in the upper abdomen and back, which can worsen after eating or when lying down.In both cases, you should see a GP if symptoms last longer than two weeks or if you have lost weight without trying. You should call 111 if vomiting lasts more than two days, diarrhoea continues for more than seven days, or if your skin turns yellow.4. Cutaneous T-cell LymphomaCutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a form of skin lymphoma and a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It begins in the T cells of the skin and often appears as flat, red patches that may be itchy.In its early stages, these patches can resemble common skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Seeing a GP is important if symptoms develop, as they can assess whether it is a common skin issue or something more serious.Cancer Research UK states that around 150 people in the UK are diagnosed with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma each year, making it a rare cancer. As with many cancers, early diagnosis can play a key role in improving treatment outcomes.