For some people, experiencing itchy underarms is just because of irritation. Perhaps, it was due to an insect bite or exposure to an irritating substance. For others, it might be due to an underlying skin condition, like eczema. However, did you know that itchy armpits can be a sign of cancer? If you find yourself asking: Why is my armpit itchy, is it cancer?, this article might help.
Why Is My Armpit Itchy? Is It A Sign Of Cancer?
If you have asked yourself at least once, Why is my armpit itchy?, it may be concerning to know that it can be a sign of cancer. Generally, two types of cancer can cause itchiness: Lymphoma and Inflammatory Breast Cancer.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is the cancer of the lymphatic system, the network of nodes throughout the body that is a crucial part of our immune system.
There are two primary types of lymphoma: Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s. In both cancers, the lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) grow out of control and cause swelling throughout the body. If doctors find the abnormal cell (Reed-Sternberg cell), then it’s Hodgkin’s. If the abnormal cells are absent, then it’s non-Hodgkin’s.
Regardless of type, both can cause itchy skin, including the skin in the armpits.
- 30% of patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma experience itching, the severity of which has a “very negative impact” on their lives.
- About 62 to 83% of patients with T-cell lymphoma (a type of non-Hodgkin’s) also experience itchy skin.
Itching happens because of cytokines, which irritate the nerve endings of the skin. Cytokines are small proteins that are crucial in the growth of blood and immune system cells.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Inflammatory Breast Cancer or IBC is a rare type of breast cancer. It can cause itching in the breast and its surrounding area, including the armpits.
Note that IBC usually causes the breast to look inflamed, hence there will most likely be swelling and redness.