Even though each type of cancer has its own specific characteristics and symptoms, there are a handful of cancer symptoms which are mostly common among all types of cancer. However, also note that some types of cancer have no specific symptoms until the very last stages, thus a routine cancer screening and risk assessment is a must. Today, Sr. Cancer Surgeon at Rockland Hospital shares top 10 cancer symptoms which you should not ignore
as early detection might mean a timely cure and treatment.
as early detection might mean a timely cure and treatment.
Unexplained weight loss: Significant weight loss over a few months without any apparent cause, i.e. unexplained weight loss, can be one of the main warning signs that you might be suffering from cancer. This happens most often with cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, or lungs.
Fever: Fever may be associated with some cancers, too. Almost all patients with cancer will have fever at some time or the other, especially if the cancer or its treatment affects the immune system. One can also find constitutional symptoms of fatigue with some kind of cancers.
Pain: Pain usually occurs late, as early cancer stages are usually painless. Most often pain due to cancer is a symptom of cancer that has already spread. It can be felt early with cancers like bone or testicular cancer.
Changes in the skin: One can witness changes in his/her appearance, boundary or colour in a pre-existing mole or appearance of new lesions. Skin cancer may be developing in some. Especially in people who often chew tobacco, smoke or drink alcohol, their skin sores might not heal.
Changes in bowel habits or bladder function: Constipation, diahorea frequency, bleeding in urine. Pain when passing urine, blood in the urine, or a change in bladder function.
White patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue: It is also known as lenkoplakia, which may progress to oral cavity cancer later. Leukoplakia is a pre-cancerous area that is caused by frequent irritation. If it is not treated, leukoplakia can become oral cancer.
Unusual bleeding or discharge: It can happen in early or advanced cancer. Blood in the sputum (phlegm) may be a sign of lung cancer. Blood in the stool could be a sign of colon or rectal cancer. Cancer of the cervix or the endometrium (lining of the uterus) can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding. Blood in the urine may be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer. A bloody discharge from the nipple may be a sign of breast cancer.
Thickening or lump in the breast or other parts of the body: These symptoms can be caused by many other reasons, other than cancer, and a doctor is the best person to identify the reason after necessary investigations. Instead of waiting for symptoms to surface, it would be better to opt for periodic health checkups.
Indigestion or trouble swallowing: It is usually associated with stomach or esophagus (food pipe) cancer. Getting it checked and treated as soon as it occurs will prevent further developments.
Nagging cough or hoarsenes: This can be one of the main symptoms of throat cancer. If the cough remains for a long time, then it may be a sign of lung or vocal cord cancer.
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