Several types of cancer can cause itchy skin. Blood cancers are the most common, especially Hodgkin lymphoma, cutaneous T-cell (skin) lymphoma, leukemias, and polycythemia vera. Some solid tumors, like cancers of the pancreas, bile ducts, liver, lung, or certain neuroendocrine tumors, can also trigger widespread itching.
Itching can happen when cancer or the body’s immune response releases substances that irritate the nerves in the skin, or when tumors block bile flow and bile builds up in the body. The skin may look normal or just slightly dry, and in some people the itch starts months before any other cancer symptoms appear. Learn more about what causes itchy skin and other symptoms it can lead to.
Persistent itching that lasts more than a few weeks, affects much of the body, or is worse at night should be checked, especially if it comes with weight loss, fevers, night sweats, or swollen lymph nodes. Anyone who has itching together with changing moles or new skin spots should also see a dermatologist.
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If you have ongoing itchy skin without a clear cause, it is important to see a primary care doctor, who can order tests and, if needed, refer to a hematologist or oncologist.