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Are Itchy Armpits A Warning Sign of Cancer? Here's When You Should Consult A Doctor
More than 30 people get diagnosed with lymphoma, also referred to as Hodgkin's itch or paraneoplastic pruritus
Everyone gets itchy on their armpits once in a while. However, it can also be due to sweat or any kind of skin infection which even includes cancer. According to experts, the itch can be a sign of cancer, like lymphoma or inflammatory breast cancer.
How is lymphoma connected to itchy armpits?
Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, which causes swelling of the lymph nodes – most commonly in your underarms, groin, and neck areas. According to doctors, there are more than 70 types of lymphomas – which are mainly categorized into two groups – Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Studies say more than 30 per cent of people get diagnosed with HL and 15 per cent with NHL. It is also sometimes referred to as Hodgkin's itch or paraneoplastic pruritus.
Other places that may itch include the areas of skin affected by lymphoma and the lower legs. However, in a few cases, itchiness may affect the whole body as well. Other symptoms of lymphoma include:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Chills
- Night sweating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Lack of energy
How is inflammatory breast cancer connected to itchy armpits?
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare form of breast cancer that leads to symptoms that include itching. If your breast is tender, swollen, red, or itchy, your doctor might first consider infection rather than inflammatory breast cancer.
A few noticeable signs which are symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer, include:
- Changes in your skin texture like thickening or pitting gives breast skin the look and feel of orange peel
- Swelling that makes one breast look larger than the other
- One breast feels heavier and warmer than the other
- One breast with redness or discoloration that covers more than one-third of the breast
- A retracted or inverted nipple
How often do itchy armpits suggest cancer?
According to a 2022 study that included more than 300,000 people, those who experienced itching without a known cause were more likely to have blood cancer, like lymphoma, than people who did not experience itching.
However, only a tiny percentage of people in the study ended up with a blood cancer diagnosis - less than 0.4 per cent after one year and still less than 1 per cent after 10 years.
What are the signs and symptoms of suspected cancer?
According to doctors, if you experience itchy armpits together with other early cancer symptoms, you should immediately contact a doctor. They can examine your symptoms and perform tests, if necessary, to determine the cause of your itching.
The National Cancer Institute also recommends seeing a doctor if you experience itching throughout your body, especially if it interferes with regular daily activities or does not go away even after two weeks.
Even if you suspect another cause, like an infection or skin condition, contacting a doctor can be helpful. They can suggest or prescribe treatments to treat the troubling issue.
How can you prevent itchy armpits?
Doctors say there are many ways you can prevent bacterial and fungal infections, which include:
- Keep your skin cool and dry
- Shower after exercise
- Dry your underarms thoroughly after showering or bathing
- Wear sleeveless vests or loose-fitting T-shirts
- Wear breathable and absorbent materials like cotton
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