Find out what signs of cancer may go unnoticed. Fever, cough, unexplained pain should not be ignored!
You can say many things about cancer, but none of them are positive. “Misleading” is certainly one of them, precisely because it can have symptoms that can be confused with other health problems. you fever? Are you hoarse? It does not appear to be a serious problem, but the possibility that it could be a sign of a more serious illness should not be ruled out.
“I tell my patients that if they have unusual symptoms that persist, are common, or cause pain, they should see a doctor to find out what the health problem is,” explains oncologist Elwyn Cabebe.
Signs of cancer to look out for
1. Unintentional weight loss
According to the American Cancer Society, one of the first signs of cancer could be an unexplained or unplanned drop in 4-5 pounds.
Weight loss may be due to the reduction in muscle mass and weakness experienced by the body trying to fight back against the disease. This symptom is a good indicator in the case pancreatic cancer or the esophageal one.
2. Unexplained change in intestinal transit
Diarrhea, constipation, altered stools or flu-like stomach disorders – these are all symptoms you need to check for.
Another sign is the appearance of blood in the stool (the appearance of blood may vary from bright red to dark red or even black when the blood has been digested).
Although these symptoms may indicate other intestinal transit problems (intestinal polyps or stomach infections), could also be signs of early-stage colon cancer. The risk of cancer colorectal it is much older after the age of 60 and can develop for a long time without symptoms.
3. Fever
Fever is often the body’s natural response to an infection or disease. Although fevers can be rare signs of cancer, they are common in patients with cancer – especially if the disease or its treatment affects the immune system.
Doctors do not yet know why some cancers cause fever, while others do not. One possible explanation could be that the fever is caused by a toxin produced by the tumor. You may have a fever every day or weeks without being affected. Fever can be an early sign of blood-like cancer leukemia or lymphoma.
4. Persistent cough
In the case of a cold or seasonal flu, a persistent cough may seem normal. If you have no other cold and flu symptoms, it is recommended that you consult a doctor.
Another cause for concern is a persistent cough that you have tried to treat, but nothing seems to work. If the cough is accompanied by persistent chest pain and blood, see your doctor quickly!
Seasonal respiratory infections and lung cancer begin with the same symptom: cough.
Lung cancer manifested by persistent cough, hemoptysis (elimination of blood by cough, even in small amounts), chest pain, dyspnea, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite.
5. Unexplained pain
Pain is usually a sign that there is something wrong with your body and that can mean many things. When the pancreatic duct is blocked by a tumor, the acid produced by the pancreas to aid in the process of digestion turns and destroys the pancreas. This can cause abdominal pain that often radiates to the back.
If the pain does not go away after several treatments, it could be a symptom of cancer. Back pain can be a symptom of colorectal or ovarian cancer. Prolonged headache that does not yield to regular treatments may be a sign of brain tumors.
6. Unusual bleeding
Unusual bleeding they can be an alarm signal and such a symptom can be identified both in the early and final stages of cancer. The American Cancer Society explains each type of bleeding and what it could mean for different areas of the body:
- Rectal bleeding: colorectal cancer (colon and rectum)
- Bleeding in the urine: uterine and prostate cancer
- Breast bleeding: breast cancer
- Cough bleeding: lung cancer
7. Fatigue
Chronic fatigue Persistence that does not improve with rest is one of the most common signs of cancer. In the case of colon and stomach cancer, the feeling of fatigue may result from blood loss.
Other signs of cancer associated with fatigue: problems with concentration, weakness, irritability and inability to complete daily tasks.
8. Injuries that do not disappear
These symptoms most often occur on the skin in the form of a mole or lesion that does not heal. A wound in the mouth, ulcers of the lips, tongue or inside the mouth that does not heal within a few weeks may be signs of oral cancer.
These items can be an alarm signal for people who smoke, chew tobacco or consume excessive alcohol.
Other signs to look out for are white spots on the mouth and tongue. These spots may indicate leucoplakia precancerous changes that can progress to oral cancer if not treated properly.
9. Nodules or changes in the skin
A change in size or shape, a thickening of the breast, unusual nipple secretions, twisting of the nipples are alarm signals. Nodules found in the lymph nodes in the armpits or clavicle can signal breast cancer.
The American Cancer Association notes that carcinogenic nodules can also occur in the testicles, lymph nodes or other tissues of the body. A stain, wound, or mole that changes in size, shape, color, or texture may be signs of skin cancer, or melanoma.
If the area does not heal within 4 weeks, it is imperative to consult a doctor. In addition to skin cancer, changes in the appearance of the skin can signal other types of cancer. For example, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) may signal pancreatic or liver cancer.
The best solution: cancer screening
Some cancers have no symptoms or are only visible in advanced stages, which is why screening for cancer is very important.
Standard tests such as mammograms, CT scans and x-rays are essential for cancer. In addition to these medical investigations, doctors also recommend some lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or limiting alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of cancer.
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