4 Types of Cancer That May Cause Persistent Itching Symptoms

Itchy skin is not just a nuisance but can also be a hidden symptom of something sinister. According to experts, while it is common to feel itchy at times and it is usually nothing to worry about, chronic

irritation can be an indicator of various skin issues, which can even include deadly cancer. According to a California-based oncologist, Dr Amit Garg, skin itching can happen due to four types of cancer. While itching alone should not be an issue, when coupled with other symptoms, it may hint at something more serious that warrants a visit to your doctor.

Types of cancer with itching as a sign

Hodgkin lymphoma

Persistent itching – also known as pruritus – can happen without a rash. According to Dr Garg, it is a classic sign of Hodgkin lymphoma – a cancer of the lymphatic system, part of the immune system, characterised by malignant lymphocytes and often identified by large Reed-Sternberg cells. Dr Garg says it is mostly caused by immune system chemicals known as cytokines, which irritate the nerves, often worsening at night and improving with treatment. About 20-50 per cent of patients experience this, and it can occur on the hands, legs, or body, sometimes feeling like burning.

Polycythemia Vera

Polycythaemia vera is a rare, slow-growing blood cancer where the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells, thickening the blood and increasing risks for dangerous clots and heart attacks. While it is an uncommon form of slow-progressing blood cancer, PV mostly stems from an alteration in the JAK2 gene, which triggers bone marrow cells to generate excessive red blood cells. An elevated concentration of red blood cells in the bloodstream is also referred to as erythrocytosis, though having this condition doesn't automatically indicate cancer. One of the main indicators of this disease is itchy skin, especially following a bath or shower, which can be an indicator of erythrocytosis. A few other symptoms include severe headache, blurred vision, red skin, high blood pressure, dizziness, and bleeding issues

Gallbladder cancer

Cancer of the gallbladder makes one lose appetite and weight, have nausea along with diarrhoea, and also have an "intense itching" caused by bile salt accumulation in the skin. Dr Garg says, along with the skin issue, you may also notice darker-coloured urine and lighter-coloured stools – along with signs of jaundice.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a rare group of slow-growing cancers where malignant T-cells accumulate in the skin, causing itchy rashes, patches, plaques, or tumours that can resemble eczema or psoriasis, with common forms being mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome. Since it is a rare form of Hodgkin lymphoma, this cancer originates from the skin’s T-cells and is often manifested as flat and red patches that are extremely itchy.

Skin resembles eczema in early stages

In all of these cancers, experts say your skin would resemble signs of eczema or psoriasis in the early stages, and so it is important that you get a thorough investigation done and consult your doctor to know what it actually is. According to studies, the incidence across the world of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is extremely low, with only 2.9 to 8.6 cases per million people, but true numbers are likely higher due to misdiagnosis and delays. Data shows a rising trend in incidence rates, particularly in the US, affecting older males more often, though Black individuals and some Asian populations show different patterns. As with most cancers, early diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes.