Itching in armpit

Hi

I have had a lot of experience in radiotherapy, having had it twice over the years.  I had breast cancer many year's ago and had 30 sessions, this was back in 1991.  I had itching in my armpit, but the cancer had spread into my lymph nodes in my armpit, so the radiotherapy beam was aimed at my armpit along with the breast area.  I was told this was my skin's normal reaction.

In 2023 I had lung cancer and had eight sessions of radiotherapy, but I did not have an itchy armpit as the radiotherapy beam was more near the centre of my chest, the itching was on my chest.

I think it might depend on what area the radiotherapy is treating, as you say, you have N1, so lymph nodes are involved. I would ring your Macmillan nurse and tell her just to put your mind at rest.

Best wishes.

Ann

Thank you for your reply, hopefully I will see my MacMillan nurse tomorrow.

Just thought I would update; saw the McMillan nurse who was great. She checked me over, no lumps, swelling or redness.  She put my mind at rest saying it is likely to be a side effect of the radiotherapy.  Finished Radiotherapy on Wedndesday, now Sunday and I am not getting much iching now.  My takeaway from this is that if you have any symptoms you are not sure of then seak advice from your McMillan nurse and these forums.