What types of cancer can cause itchy skin according to Dr. Amit Garg?

Dr. Amit Garg mentions Hodgkin lymphoma, Polycythemia Vera, gallbladder cancer, and pancreatic cancer as types that may present with itchy skin.

When should I worry about itchy skin if it might be cancer?

You should see a GP if itchy skin is severe, worse at night, or accompanied by other symptoms like unexplained weight loss or jaundice.

Can eczema or psoriasis be mistaken for cancer symptoms like itching?

Yes, early-stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma can present as red, itchy patches that resemble eczema or psoriasis, making medical evaluation important.

Home / Health / Itchy Skin? Could It Be Cancer?

Itchy Skin? Could It Be Cancer?

8 Jan

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Summary

Itchy skin can be a symptom of four specific types of cancer.
Hodgkin lymphoma may cause severe itching, worse at night.
Gallbladder and pancreatic cancers may present with intense itching.

Persistent skin itching, often dismissed as irritation from dryness or bites, could signal underlying health issues, including certain cancers. Dr. Amit Garg, an oncologist, identified four cancer types where itching is a notable symptom. Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of white blood cells, can cause severe itching that intensifies at night. Similarly, Polycythemia Vera, a slow-growing blood cancer, may lead to itchy skin, particularly after bathing.

Gallbladder and pancreatic cancers share symptoms like appetite loss and weight changes, but intense itching due to bile salt deposition is also a key indicator. This itching can accompany darker urine and jaundice. While these symptoms are concerning, early detection is crucial for successful treatment of any of these conditions.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a rare skin lymphoma, often begins as itchy, red patches resembling eczema or psoriasis. Given the rarity of these cancers, distinguishing them from common conditions is vital. Consulting a GP for persistent symptoms, especially those lasting over two weeks or accompanied by unexplained weight loss, is strongly advised.