Are itchy armpits a sign of cancer? Read here

Itchy armpits

are often caused by non-cancerous conditions, such as poor hygiene or dermatitis. However, in some cases, the itch may be a sign of more serious conditions, like lymphoma or

inflammatory breast cancer

.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma

(HL) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL)
Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) are two primary classifications of lymphomas, with more than 70 total types.

Approximately 30% of people who have HL and 15% who have NHL have itching. The itching is often referred to as Hodgkin itch or paraneoplastic pruritus. Such itching often does not cause a visible rash, and scratching it does not provide any relief.
T-cell or B-cell skin lymphoma causes a rash along with itching and other characteristics, such as:

Mycosis fungoides
Mycosis fungoides is a T-cell lymphoma characterized by several types of skin manifestations. It starts as red, scaly patches, often mimicking such benign conditions as eczema or psoriasis. These patches thicken and become plaques that sometimes ulcerate. In the advanced stages of the disease, patients’ skin changes may even become severe and metastasize to other parts of the body.
Hardening of the skin and thickening

It refers to a condition that involves the skin becoming thicker, firmer, and less flexible. This is caused by different kinds of skin conditions, including certain types of lymphoma and scleroderma, or by chronic inflammation. In some cases, it can even lead to the creation of plaques or ulcers. The affected area of skin sometimes feels tight or stiff and becomes itchy or painful.
Papules
Papules are small, relatively raised skin bumps. They are typically less than 1 centimeter in diameter and, therefore, red, pink, or flesh-colored. Papules may appear as a result of various skin conditions, namely acne, eczema, or certain types of skin lymphoma. In some cases, they can grow to become the size of bigger growths such as nodules or tumors.
Itchy armpit is a symptom of inflammatory breast cancer?
Breast cancer is the medical term for an illness in which cancer cells develop in the breast. A very rare type called inflammatory breast cancer may even produce symptoms. If your breast becomes tender, swollen, red, or itchy, your physician may start by diagnosing an infection and prescribing antibiotics as treatment.
If the symptoms are not alleviated within 7 to 10 days, some other tests, including a mammogram or breast ultrasound, can be performed in order to check for cancer. Itching, although also a symptom of inflammatory breast cancer sometimes occurring in the armpit area, is usually accompanied by other visible signs.
Some of the symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer are:
The skin may be indented or pitted, giving it an appearance of being analogous to orange peel.
Swelling that leads to one breast being much larger than the other.
A feeling of fullness and warmth in one breast.
Redness or discoloration on one breast, covering more than one-third of the area.

Causes of itchy armpits

Inadequate hygiene
Bacteria thrive in areas that accumulate dirt and sweat. To prevent itchy armpits, it’s important to keep the underarms clean, especially after physical activities.
Dermatitis
Conditions like allergic, atopic, or contact dermatitis can cause irritation in the armpits, leading to itchiness.
Chemicals
The ingredients in your soap, deodorant, or laundry detergent could be irritating your skin. Consider switching brands or opting for natural alternatives.
Itchy heat
Also known as heat rash or miliaria rubra, prickly heat is a red, bumpy rash often experienced in hot, humid environments.
Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a condition where excessive sweating occurs, which can lead to skin irritation and itching.